Qin falls and Han begins

Qin falls and Han begins The King is Dead… Long live the King! Slideshow from www.advancedplacementhistory.com

QIN Dynasty (221–206 B.C.) • The Qin dynasty emerged in 221 B.C. from China’s bloody civil wars between 400 B.C. and 200 B.C. • Established by Qin Shihuangdi

Control • The Qin dynasty adopted Legalism. • Political opponents of the regime (the government in power) were imprisoned or executed. • Books that opposed the official views were burned.

Government • The Qin made the central government stronger. • The government was divided into three ministries: • The Civil, the Military, and the censorate (Inspector). • Members of the censorate checked on government officials to make sure they were doing their jobs. • Future Chinese dynasties adopted this practice and kept this structure.

External problems The Xiongnu • nomadic people who lived near the Gobi. • mastered warfare from horseback and attacked the Chinese living in the north. • Protection = system of walls called the Great Wall of China. • The Great Wall we see today was built 1,500 years later.

Why did the Qin fall? • Failed to rule with humanity • many peasant rebellions, • 3 assassination attempts, • Shi Huangdi’s death, • his son failed as a ruler • lost the Mandate of Heaven

Han Dynasty 206 B.C.E.-220 C.E. (c. 400 years) Overview • continued the Q’in organization • strong but humane government, • great wealth • Confucian education for upper class men • important inventions and excellent long distance trade.

Han Politics • Liu Bang - 1st Han Emperor • Chang’an is capital • Wu Di – another important emperor

Chang’an • Largest city in the world • Carefully planned • Great trade center on Silk Road • Wealthy and beautiful

Key events/changes Replaced Legalism with Confucianism • Confucianism teaches that Emperor is • Responsible for keeping harmony • Must model goodness and virtue Often attacked by central Asian nomads

Confucian Civil Service Examination • Han government officials chosen by scores on a Confucian poetry and moral code test • Han started schools to train candidates • Curriculum is Confucius’s teachings, Chinese history, and Chinese law.

Han Economy • Agriculture and peasant lives • Innovations improved output • Chinese traders were able to sail into the Indian Ocean, • SILK Road across Asia to Middle East connects China to Europe

A Timeline History of Silk production from its origins in China to its arrival in Europe. 3000 B.C. Silk first produced in China 1500 B.C. Semi-nomadic stockbreeding tribes inhabit steppes 753 B.C. Rome founded 500 B.C. Chinese adopt nomadic style, wear trousers and ride horses 551 - 479 B.C. Confucius born in China 350 B.C. Greek culture spreads into Central Asia (Persia conquered by Alexander the Great) 300 B.C. Roman expansion begins around Mediterranean region Shi Huangdi’s Qin dynasty unites entire China for the first time Qin Dynasty begins Great Wall Han dynasty overthrows the Qin and develops its vast empire Buddhism begins to spread north out of India and into China Paper first made in China 200 B.C. The Xiongnu (Huns) rise to power in Central Asia and invade Chinese western border regions Emperor WuDi orders Zhang Qian to travel the Western Regions and open the trade route (Silk Road) to the west 100 B.C. Rome becomes an empire 1 A.D. Silk first seen in Rome Buddhism begins to spread from India into Central Asia Christianity begins to spread in the world 100 A.D. Roman empire at its largest The first Roman envoy arrives in China Buddhism reaches China 200 A.D. Han dynasty falls and the China breaks up 300 A.D. The secret skill of sericulture (silk production) begins to spread west along the Silk Road Xiongnu (Huns) invades China and China further dissolved into fragments 500 A.D. Silkworm breeding appears in Europe 18.

Religion/Philosophy • Confucianism is VERY influential in govt and social life • People follow Confucian morals in all aspects of life • Buddhism came to China via the Silk Road

Han Society • Population tripled to 50 million WHY? IMPACT? • Increased govt. responsibility

MEDICINE SCIENCE Wrote texts on chemistry, zoology, and botany. Astronomy popular Invented seismograph Diagnosed diseases. herbal remedies used anesthetics. Acupuncture TECHNOLOGY Paper invented (pic to right) Invented the rudder, fore/aft sails to sail into the wind fishing reels, wheelbarrows, and suspension bridges. Han Innovations

Fore Aft Sails, Fishing reel, Water wheel, rudder

Han Great Wall • Extended the Q’in wall 1500 miles • Many more towers and soldiers to guard China

Han Art • Wealth provides time • Time allows the development of art and architecture • Focus is on beautifying environment • Maybe showing off?

Han Warfare (FYI) “The bandits were numerous, and Yang's forces very weak, so his men were filled with alarm and despondency. But he organized several dozen horse-drawn vehicles carrying bellows to blow powdered lime strongly forth, he caused rags of fire to be tied to the tails of a number of horses, and he prepared other vehicles full of bowmen and crossbowmen. The lime chariots went forward first, and as the bellows were plied the smoke was blown forwards according to the wind, then the rags were kindled and the frightened horses rushed forwards throwing the enemy lines into confusion……. after which the bowmen and crossbowmen opened fire, the drums and gongs were sounded, and the terrified enemy was utterly destroyed and dispersed.

Han Fall • Han rulers love for wealth and pleasure weakened the government • The Han dynasty fell in A.D. 220. • China descends into chaos • Warlord states rule for 350 years

China’s Time of Troubles • 220-589 China is not unified under a single Emperor • Return of regional rule and many small regional wars

Consider impact… • The Qin and Han dynasties were BOTH known for their cultural achievements. • BUT Shihuangdi only educated officials, while the Han educated all on Confucianist ideology • Key Confucian works were printed in a set. • Generations of Chinese schoolchildren learned the norms of proper behavior from these texts.

Qin falls and Han begins