Lesson 23: The Han Dynasty
In what ways did the Han dynasty improve government and daily life in China?
In what ways did the Han dynasty improve government and daily life in China?
The Han dynasty arose during a period of unrest. The Chinese people were unhappy with the harsh, Legalist rule of the Qin. After the first emperor's death, they rebelled against the Qin. Liu Bang (LEEoo bahng), a rebel who had gained control of the Han kingdom, conquered the Qin army and established the Han dynasty.
Over time, Han emperors began to change the way China was ruled. Gradually, they incorporated Confucian ideals of moral behavior into Chinese government.
Under Han rule, China had a golden age, a long period of stability and wealth. Education, literature, and art flourished. New practices, inventions, and discoveries improved people's lives.
The Han dynasty was also known for its military achievements. Han emperors expanded the empire to include parts of present-day Korea and Vietnam. Once Central Asia was under its control, the Han established trade relationships with the West.
Achievements of Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty
Summary:
Warfare and Government New weapons helped Han emperors succeed in war and expand their empire. They organized the government into a bureaucracy. Civil servants who were chosen for their ability worked in the bureaucracy.
Agriculture and Industry Several inventions improved production in agriculture and in the silk and salt industries. Farmers used the chain pump for irrigation and iron plows. Workers used foot-powered reeling machines to make silk thread, and iron tipped drills to mine salt.
Art, Medicine, and Science The invention of paper advanced the art of calligraphy and changed the way people communicated. Healers learned about the human body and developed techniques that are still used today. Chinese scientists made careful observations of the heavens, and invented the seismograph and the compass.