1. The Han Dynasty
206BC-220AD

2. The Rise of a New Dynasty
Liu Bang - a peasant who became emperor
(Became emperor in large part because of Mandate of Heaven)
He won people’s loyalty
& trust
(Who would like Liu Bang?)

3. Liu Bang Eliminated harsh gov’t Lowers taxes
Made punishments less severe
Gave land to supporters
Educated officials helped him rule

4. Wudi creates a new gov’t
-Han ruler Wudi created a stronger gov’t by making Confucianism gov’t philosophy

5. Confucianism It emphasizes: -Respect for elders -Loyalty toward family
Confucianism- teaching of Confucius
It emphasizes:
-Respect for elders
-Loyalty toward family
-Obedience to authority
(Confucianism could get
you a good job, if you
passed an exam you could
work for the gov’t)

6. Han Social Structure
Emperor/Scholars Peasants/Farmers (90% of Pop.) Artisans Merchants (What is odd about this arrangement?)

7. Chinese Family During the Han Dynasty
-Father as head of family with absolute power
Respect for elders
Honor ancestors
Males are more valuable than females

8. Inventions & Advances
Invented paper by grinding plant fibers into a paste then letting it dry in sheets
(They then pasted several sheets together and rolled it into a scroll)

9. Inventions and Advances
Sundial- device that uses the position of shadows cast by sun to tell time
Seismograph- device that measures strength of earthquakes
Acupuncture- practice of inserting fine needles through skin to cure disease or relieve pain