1. The Qin and Han Dynasties
Classical China
The Qin and Han Dynasties

2. Qin Dynasty

3. Political/Economic Characteristics
Qin Dynasty
China is unified under Qin
Centralized power
Non-hereditary bureaucratic system
Harsh Legalism
Standardized legal codes, coinage
Political/Economic Characteristics

4. Social Characteristics
Qin Dynasty
Former nobility lost all power
Emperor had complete control over people
Formed “Groups”
5-10 family units which were responsible for wrongdoings of any individual within the group
Social Characteristics

5. Technological Characteristics
Qin Dynasty
Standardized language & measurements
Roads, irrigation canals
Great Wall
Terra Cotta Soldiers
Army of 6000 pottery soldiers
Technological Characteristics

6. Han Dynasty 220 BCE-220 CE

7. Political/Economic Characteristics
Han China
Well organized bureaucracy based upon Confucian ideals and education
Decentralized government
Civil Service Exam
Continued standardization of coins & measures
Political/Economic Characteristics

8. Social Characteristics
Han China
Emphasis on family ancestors; patriarchal
Reliance on landed gentry
Social Characteristics

9. Technological Characteristics
Han China
Engineering accomplishments:
Roads, canals, bridges, the Great Wall
Silk Weaving
Technological Characteristics

10. Religious Characteristics
Han China
Confucianism, Daoism, native gods
Introduction of Buddhism
Came to China from India along the Silk Road
Religious Characteristics

11. The Silk Road
7000 mile route that connected China, Central Asia, Northern India, and the Roman Empire
Caravans linked trade between China & Mesopotamia
Interactions

12. Decline of Han China Infighting among ruling elites
Inequitable distribution of land-tax burden fell to peasants not to large landowners
Series of peasant rebellions
Generals usurp political power – become warlords
220 CE warlords split empire-3 kingdoms
Emigration of nomadic tribes continues disunity