Chapter 6 – Ancient China The Han Dynasty

Essential Question How did Confucianism affect the Han Dynasty?

I. Han Dynasty Government

A. The Rise of a New Dynasty The Qin Dynasty collapsed in 207 B.C. An army led by Liu Bang won control of the area previously held by the Qin Dynasty. This dynasty lasted more than 400 years. Liu Bang, a peasant, was able to become emperor because of the belief in the Mandate of Heaven. He was the first common person to become emperor.

A. The Rise of a New Dynasty He wanted to free people from the harsh government rules that existed during the Qin Dynasty. He lowered taxes for farmers. He made punishments less severe and gave large blocks of land top his supporters.

B. Wudi Creates a New Government In 140 BC, Emperor Wudi took the throne. He wanted a strong central government. He took land from the lords, raised taxes, and placed the supply of grain under the control of the government. Confucianism became the government’s official philosophy.

B. Wudi Creates a New Government If a person passed an exam on Confucian teachings, he could get a good position in the government. But not everyone could take the test. Only those that had been recommended for government service already. This kept wealthy and influential families in control of the government.

II. Family Life

People were divided into four classes. A. Social Class People were divided into four classes. Upper Class – Emperor, his court, and scholars who held government positions. Peasants (the largest class) Artisans who produced items for daily life Merchants were the lowest class because they didn’t produce anything The military was not an official class

B. Lives of the Rich and Poor Classes divided people into social rank, but did not indicate wealth and power. The wealthy filled their homes with expensive decorations and hired musicians for entertainment. Even tombs of wealthy families were filled with expensive items. The poor made up 90% of the population and primarily lived in the countryside.

B. Lives of the Rich and Poor Peasants spent their summers in the fields and in the winter they were forced to work on building projects for the government. Poor people wore simple clothes, ate grains like barley, and lived in small houses made out of mud or stamped earth.

C. The Revival of the Family Confucian teachings about family were encouraged by the government. Children were taught from birth to respect their elders. The father was the head of the household and had absolute power. The wife and children must obey him.

C. The Revival of the Family If a family was strong and obeyed the father, then it would obey the emperor and the order would be maintained. Children were expected to honor dead parents with ceremonies and offerings. Chinese parents valued boys more than girls because the carried the family line and took care of their parents when they were old.

III. Han Achievements

A. Art and Literature The Chinese of the Han period became experts at painting portraits. They often painted religious figures and Confucian scholars. Han China is known for its poetry. Fu poets wrote long works of literature. Shi poets wrote short lines of verse that could be sung. Han writers also produced important works of history.

B. Inventions and Advances They invented paper. They made it by grinding plants fibers into a paste. Sundial – uses the position of shadows cast by the sun to tell the time of day. Seismograph – a device that measures the strength of an earthquake. Acupuncture – the practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points to cure disease or relieve pain.