The Big Idea

1
The Big Idea Early Chinese history was shaped by
three dynastiesthe Shang, the Zhou, and the Qin.
2
Qin Achievements

• Shi Huangdi wanted to make sure that people from
  the different areas in China acted and thought
  the same.
• Created laws that applied equally to people in
  all parts of China
• Set up a new system of money that eliminated
  local currencies
• Created a uniform system of writing that got rid
  of minor differences between regions

• The Qin built a huge network of roads and canals.

• To protect China from invasion, Shi Huangdi built
  the Great Wall, a barrier that linked earlier
  walls that stood near Chinas border.

3
Main Idea 1Han dynasty government was largely
based on the ideas of Confucius.

• The Rise of a New Dynasty
• In 205 BC Liu Bang (Gao Zu) became the first
  emperor of the Han dynasty, which lasted for more
  than 400 years.
• He was the first common person to become emperor.
  He was a Lieutenant, not a nob
• He wanted to free people from harsh government
  policies.

• Wudi Creates a New Government
• In 140 BC Emperor Wudi took the throne.
• He made Confucianism Chinas official government
  policy.

4
Confucianism and the Han Government
Confucianism

• A philosophy based on the teachings of a man
  named Confucius.
• It emphasizes the importance of ethics and moral
  values.

Han Government

• Han government officials were expected to
  practice Confucianism.

5
Main Idea 2Han China supported and strengthened
family life.

• The Han period was a time of great social change
  in China.
• Based on the Confucian system, people were
  divided into four classes.
• The classes only divided people into social rank.
  They did not indicate wealth or power.

6
Social Classes

• Upper class
• Made up of the emperor, his court, and scholars
  who held government positions
• Second class
• The largest, was made up of peasants
• Third class
• Artisans, who produced items for daily life and
  some luxury goods
• Lowest class
• Merchants, because they did not actually produce
  anything, but merely bought and sold what others
  made

7
Lives of the Rich and the Poor

• The Rich
• Owned large elaborate estates
• Employed laborers to work the land
• Hired private armies to defend their estates

• The Poor
• About 90 percent of the people living in Han
  China were peasants.
• Worked hard on the land
• Forced to work on building projects for the in
  winter
• Lived in small villages