Han Emperors in China

The Han Dynasty expanded China’s borders and developed a system of government that lasted for centuries.

Prepared by Daisy Baniaga

Notable Emperors and the System of GovernmentEmperor System of

GovernmentPolicies

1. Liu Bang (1st emperor)

Centralized government

- Lowering taxes and softening harsh punishments

2. Wudi (Martial Emperor)

Centralized government

- Expanding the Chinese empire through war

- Government positions could be obtained by taking examinations, and later, with combined knowledge of Confucianism.

3. Wang Mang (Regent-turned-Emperor)

Centralized government

- Minting new money to relieve the treasury’s shortage

- Setting up public granaries to help feed the poor

- Land reform through redistribution

Hierarchy

1. Emperor2. Kings and governors3. State officials, nobles,

scholars4. Peasant farmers5. Artisans and merchants6. Soldiers7. Slaves

Society and Culture

Chinese Men 1 month labor (to built roads, canals, irrigations) or military

service every year

Chinese Women Few became empresses. Nuns (Daoist and Buddhist) were able to gain education and live

away from their families In aristocratic and land-owning families, they sometimes pursued

education. Some ran small shops. Others practiced medicine. Most led quiet lives at home: devoting themselves to their

families (Confucian teaching) – duties at home and work in family fields.

Conquered Peoples – assimilation of Chinese customs

Han Dynasty (400 yrs.)

• Empire: Manchuria and Korea (northeast) : Vietnam (south) : boundaries of China today

• Emperor has divine authority• Wudi – one of China’s most significant rulers• Civil service examinations before becoming

government employees• Agriculture as the most important and honorable

occupation• Monopolies on salt mining, iron forging, coin minting,

alcohol brewing, silk trade• Assimilation – adoption of Chinese culture by

conquered peoples

The Silk Roads

Contributions of the Han Dynasty

Invention of paperAdvancement of collar harness for horsesMore efficient plow with two bladesImprovements on iron toolsInvention of the wheelbarrowUse of water mills to grind grainSilk production and tradePromoted assimilation to conquered peoplesCivil service exam

Factors which Contributed to the Decline of Han Dynasty The gap between the rich and the poor increased

The rich took advantage of the poor- inherited lands became smaller and farmers had hard time

raising enough food to eat or sell- small farmers borrowed money from large landowners who

charged high interest rates- if couldn’t pay back the debt, the landowner took possession

of the farmer’s land Tax inequality

- large landowners were not required to pay = ↑ landholdings- with less money coming in from decreased land taxes, the

government pressed harder to collect money from small farmers

Rivalries in the palace Inexperienced emperors Peasant revolts joined with discontent wealthy class Natural disasters like flood destroyed economy,

lives and properties