1. The Big Idea
Early Chinese history was shaped by three dynasties—the Shang, the Zhou, and the Qin.

2. Qin Achievements The Qin built a huge network of roads and canals.
Shi Huangdi wanted to make sure that people from the different areas in China acted and thought the same.
Created laws that applied equally to people in all parts of China
Set up a new system of money that eliminated local currencies
Created a uniform system of writing that got rid of minor differences between regions
The Qin built a huge network of roads and canals.
To protect China from invasion, Shi Huangdi built the Great Wall, a barrier that linked earlier walls that stood near China’s border.

3. The Rise of a New Dynasty Wudi Creates a New Government
Main Idea 1: Han dynasty government was largely based on the ideas of Confucius.
The Rise of a New Dynasty
In 205 BC Liu Bang (Gao Zu) became the first emperor of the Han dynasty, which lasted for more than 400 years.
He was the first common person to become emperor. He was a Lieutenant, not a nob
He wanted to free people from harsh government policies.
Wudi Creates a New Government
In 140 BC Emperor Wudi took the throne.
He made Confucianism China’s official government policy.

4. Confucianism and the Han Government
A philosophy based on the teachings of a man named Confucius.
It emphasizes the importance of ethics and moral values.
Han Government
Han government officials were expected to practice Confucianism.

5. Main Idea 2: Han China supported and strengthened family life.
The Han period was a time of great social change in China.
Based on the Confucian system, people were divided into four classes.
The classes only divided people into social rank. They did not indicate wealth or power.

6. Social Classes
Upper class
Made up of the emperor, his court, and scholars who held government positions
Second class
The largest, was made up of peasants
Third class
Artisans, who produced items for daily life and some luxury goods
Lowest class
Merchants, because they did not actually produce anything, but merely bought and sold what others made

7. Lives of the Rich and the Poor
Owned large elaborate estates
Employed laborers to work the land
Hired private armies to defend their estates
The Poor
About 90 percent of the people living in Han China were peasants.
Worked hard on the land
Forced to work on building projects for the in winter
Lived in small villages