1. Han China 206 BCE - 220 CE After the bloody end of the Warring States period anything possible, but Han consolidates the tradition of imperial rule started in the Qin Dynasty

2. Much of Han success due to Han Wudi 141 - 87 BCE Han Wudi 2 pronged policy

3. Han Wudi’s domestic policy Relies on huge bureaucracy & uses Legalism. Continues Qin policy of sending imperial officials to provinces & building roads & canals to facilitate trade & communication. Financed via tax on agriculture, trade & crafts & govt monopoly on iron & salt & control over liquor. Deals with problem of recruitment to bureaucracy by setting up imperial university with a Confucian curriculum

4. Foreign Policy Invades N. Vietnam & Korea. Faces threat from Turkic Xiongnu (Huns) from Central Asia. Keeps somewhat in check

5. High agricultural productivity supports development of sericulture & iron forged tools, weapons and armor. Paper invented 100 CE

6. Government pushed orderly patriarchal families Serve as foundation for a stable society. Classic of Filial Piety and Admonitions for Women by Ban Zhao

7. Economic & Social Difficulties Han Wudi’s fight against Xiongnu very expensive in men and money. To finance land is confiscated from wealthy and taxes are raised. Creates lack of investment.

8. As in Rome - problem of land distribution Small landholders forced to sell under unfavorable conditions including sometimes selling themselves in tenancy or slavery.

9. This increases size of large estates Large estates gain efficiencies of size and benefit from cheap labor. Class conflict, rebellion and banditry result.

10. Minister Wang Mang 6 CE attempts to reform He’s regent, takes over as the “socialist emperor” Limits land per capita & breakup of some large holdings Landlords resist & other factors lead to end of his rule

11. Late Han Abandon Chang’an but control Silk Road. Yellow Turban Uprising is a threat. Eventually the court splinters into factions and the Han Dynasty ends.