The Han DynastyThe Han DynastyChapter 7 Section 3

Today’s Discussion Today’s Discussion QuestionsQuestions (6-4) (6-4)

When did the Han Dynasty rule? Who was the founder?

How was the Han government based on the ideas of Confucius?

List the social classes of the Han Dynasty.

Why did the family take on such importance during the Han Dynasty?

What inventions/advances emerged during the Han Dynasty?

1. 2200 BC: Xia Dynasty founded

2. 7000BC: Farming developed along the Chang Jiang Valley

3. 1100sBC: Zhou Dynasty begins

4. 481 BC: Civil War spreads during the Warring States Period

5. 221 BC: Shi Huangdi unifies China, begins the Qin Dynasty

6. 600s BC: First section of the Great Wall was built

7. 246 BC: Shi Huangdi becomes emperor, a high official rules in his name.

8. c206 BC: Qin Dynasty collapses

9. 206 BC: Han Dynasty begins

10. AD 220: Han Dynasty falls

The Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD The Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220)220)

Founded by Liu Bang ◦A peasant who claimed to be the recipient

of the “Mandate of Heaven”◦The first common person to become

emperor◦Earned loyalty/trust of the people and was

well liked by both soldiers and peasants

His rule was different from the strict legalism of the Qin◦Lowered taxes for farmers◦Made punishments less severe◦Gave large blocks of land to his supporters◦Relied on educated officials to help him

rule

New GovernmentNew Government140 BC: Emperor Wudi (Woo-dee)

took the throneWanted to create a strong central

government◦Took land from the lords◦Raised taxes◦Placed the supply grain under the

control of the government

Confucianism in the Han Confucianism in the Han DynastyDynasty

Made Confucianism China’s official government philosophy◦Officials were expected to practice Confucianism

◦Began a university to teach Confucian ideas

Exams were given on Confucian teachings◦If a person passed, he could get a good

position in government. (Civil Service Exam)

◦Exams were only open to people recommended for government service

As a result, wealthy families continued to control government.

Family Life & Social Family Life & Social ClassesClassesClass structure became more

rigid during the Han Dynasty

Based on the Confucian system, people were divided into 4 classes.

Merchants were in the lowest class because they did not produce anything.

They only bought and sold what others made.

Believed government officials should not handle or be concerned with money

Military was not an official class in the Confucian system.

It did however offer men the chance to rise in social status because the military was considered part of the government.

Lives of the Rich & Lives of the Rich & PoorPoor

Classes only divided people into social rank.

Ranks did not indicate wealth or power.For example, merchants were ranked

lowest but were usually the wealthiest.The wealthy lived lavishly in expensive

homes while the poor lived in simple homes and wore plain clothing.

Most people in the Han Dynasty were not wealthy.

Out of the nearly 60 million, 90% of them were peasants.

Revival of the FamilyRevival of the FamilySince Confucianism was the official philosophy, teachings about family were honored.

They believed in a concept called “Filial Piety” ◦Respect Elders◦Disobeying parents was a crime◦Father was head of the family & had

absolute power

Revival of the FamilyRevival of the FamilyHan officials believed that if a family

was strong and obeyed the father, then it would obey the emperor.

Children were encouraged to serve their parents.

They were also expected to honor dead parents with ceremonies and offerings.◦This was called Ancestor Worship.◦This is still practiced in parts of China

today.

Boys vs GirlsBoys vs GirlsChinese parents valued boys more highly

than girls.This was because the sons carried the

family line and took care of their parents when they were old.

On the other hand, daughters became part of their husband’s family.

Some women gained power within their families by influencing their son’s family.

An older widow could become the head of the family.

Inventions & AdvancesInventions & Advances

Inventions/Innovations◦ Paper◦ Sundial◦ Seismograph◦ Acupuncture◦ Waterwheel◦ Rudder◦ Drill Bits

AdvancesFigure PaintingLiterature:Fu style poetryShi style poetryHistory: Sima

Qian wrote the complete histories of the early dynasties

End of Section 4

Section 5Section 5Chapter 6

The Silk RoadThe Silk RoadAn overland trade route that

extended from Western China to Southwest Asia.

Stretched over 4,000 milesSilk was the most valuable trade

product.Trip was expensive and

extremely dangerous

The Silk RoadThe Silk Road

Changes in ChinaChanges in ChinaThe Han Emperors after Han Wudi were

weak and foolish.Central government lost respect and

powerDishonest officials and greedy

aristocrats led to unrest among farmersWars, rebellion, and plots against the

emperor led to the end of the Han Dynasty.

People turned to Buddhism to cope with the fear and unrest.

As a result, Buddhism spread throughout China.