Why did the Qin Dynasty F all ?

1. Slide A Why did the Qin Dynasty Fall? • Cruel treatment of people • many peasant rebellions, • Shi Huangdi’sdeath • His son failed as a ruler • Lost the Mandate of Heaven The Han Dynasty comes to power in 206 BCE and lasts until 220 CE (over 400 years!)

2. Slide B Han Emperors Emperor Liu Bang (GaoZu) • Defeats the Qin in 206 BCE • Replaces Legalism with Confucianism • Emperor Wudi (141-87 BCE) • “Warrior” king who added more territory to China • Had the government sell iron and salt to raise money without raising taxes • Opened up trade with the west along the Silk Road

3. Slide C Civil Service Han Emperors adopted the idea that government officials should win positions by merit rather than through family background. To find qualified officials , they set up a system of exams based on Confucian teachings. • Exams were open to all men • Had to afford Confucian schooling to pass the exams • Men trained in Confucian philosophy were found at every level of government • It was VERY prestigious to get a civil service position

4. MEDICINE SCIENCE • Wrote texts on chemistry, zoology, and botany. • Astronomy popular • Invented early seismograph to detect earthquakes • Used anaesthetics for pain • Acupuncture developed to treat pain or illness OTHER TECHNOLOGY • Paper invented • Invented boat technology such as the rudder • Fishing reels, wheelbarrows, and suspension bridges. Slide D Han Technology Paper Suspension Bridge

5. Slide E Silk Road The Chinese discovered how to make silk thread from the cocoons of silkworms. They were able to weave silk threads into smooth cloth that was colored with brilliant dyes. Silk became China’s most valuable export and they kept the process of making it a secret from other regions. Emperor Wudi created a trade route that stretched 4,000 miles connecting China to the Middle East and Europe. This route was known as the Silk Road. During this time period, China traded silk in exchange for many items from other regions. Other ideas were exchanged through the Silk Road such as Buddhism. The idea of Buddhism spread from its origins in India to China. This is considered one of the most significant cultural exchanges on the Silk Road.

6. Slide F Lessons for a Woman by Ban Zhao (100 CE) On the birth of a girl On the third day after the birth of a girl, the ancients observed three customs: [first] for three days to place the baby below the bed; [second] to give her a spindle with which to play; and [third] to fast and announce her birth to her ancestors by an offering. Now to lay the baby below the bed plainly indicated that she was lowly and humble and should regard it as a prime duty to submit to others. To give her a spindle with which to play signified that she should accustom herself to labor and consider it a prime duty to work hard. To announce her birth before her ancestors clearly meant that she ought to esteem it a prime duty to see to the continuation of the ancestral sacrifices. On relationships [If a wife] does not respect the wishes of her husband, then it will be followed by scolding and shouting [from him]. [If a husband] does not restrain his anger, then there is certain to be beating [of the wife]. The correct relationship between husband and wife is based upon harmony and intimacy, and love is grounded in proper union. If it comes to violence, how can the proper relationship be preserved? If sharp words are spoken, how can love exist? If love and proper relationship are both destroyed, then husband and wife will separate.

7. Slide G • Weak emperors • Economic Crisis (they were broke) • Heavy taxes • Peasant rebellions • The Huns attack over the wall • Military leaders (warlords) begin to fight for power • China descends into chaos and warlike states rule for 350 years The Han dynasty fell in 220 CE. Why? Chinese Warlords 194 CE