The Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 CE), the Silk Road, and the rise of China

Qin Dynasty

• First dynasty to unite China

• Qin Shi Huangdi

• Policy of Legalism

• Fear and terror unite country

• Secret police• Book burning• Torture

What was the impact of the wall?What was the impact of the wall?

Notice a difference between the two photos?Notice a difference between the two photos?

Qin DynastyEmperor Shi’s Greatest Achievement?

More of the Great Wall…Everyone is climbing!

Or was it this…

The Terracotta Warriors of Xian

What do you think?

Han Empire 206 bc – 220 ad

How do you advance in society?

BIG POINTS

Strength through education

Traditional family values

Emphasize Confucianism

Wealth through trade

Civil Service Exam

Win position in govt based on merit, not family

Local, provincial, and National level exams Similar to…?

Studied Confucian texts

Common set of values and education Open to all

How would this improve society and bureaucracy?

Qin vs. Han EmpireWhere do the Han under Emperor Wudi expand?

1. Manchuria2. Vietnam3. Tibet4. Central Asia5. Korea

PEACE AND PROSPERITY UNDER WUDI LEAD TO TRADE

• Why was it so successful?

• Why do people want to trade?

Collapse of the Han Empire

Weak rulers let canals and roads fall into disrepair

Increased taxes Peasants revolt

Warlords break empire up into multiple kingdoms

What happened to the Silk Road?

LOSE MANDATE OF HEAVEN

$ China and the Silk Road $- Han opened trade to Europe using China’s most valuable export, silk

(later porcelain too).

AKA…the Silk Road.

Examples of Imports to China:

• Furs (Central Asia)

• Glass, Gold, Silver(Rome)

• Spices (India)

Modes of Transportation:

• Horses, Mules, Camels, Yaks

$ China and the Silk Road $