Han Dynasty
202 BCE- 220 CE
Background Information
After the fall of the Qin, eighteen kingdoms separated from the Qin. The two strongest and most powerful kingdoms, the Han and Chu joined together. Soon, they began to fight against each other for power of China. The Han won under control of Liu Bang, and took control of China. Liu Bang assumed the position as the Emperor
Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang) (Ruled around 202 BCE)
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To reward his supporters he gave them portions of land to control. Although they took advantage of their power and acted as if they had their own kingdom. Emperor Gaozu replaced these lords with family member hoping they would rule responsibly, but once again they created their own little government. He finally took away most, but not all their power to keep the empire united. Emperor Gaozu made most of the income from the government came from poll and land taxes which made the farmers wealthy. He also created the empire's capital, Chang'an
Emperor Wu (ruled 141-87 BCE)
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The seventh emperor, Emperor Wu, only promoted Confucianism and centered the government around it. It was the official state philosophy. This was the first time the Han Dynasty singled out one philosophy, before they supported several. It was changed because it validated the strong power of the government and the people's willingness to accept this and their status in society. He also constructed the civil-service examination. It was created so the process for state official would be based on intelligence instead of connections. He lastly changed the economy by nationalizing salt and iron for industries and appointed buisnessmen to the government because of their experience in trading. Although many merchants were poor some became rich. He also appointed people experienced in agriculture to make further advancements in farming.
Wang Mang (ruled around 2-25 CE)
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He overthrew child emperor with the help the Mandate of Heaven. He created a new dynasty called the Xin. He tried to create new currency, outlaw slavery, and distribute land like old emperors used to. Although several floods caused chaos, so he was overthrown by a rebel group, Chimei.
Emperor Guangwu (ruled 25-57 CE)
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In the eastern part of the empire, Emperor Guangwu, who was a member of the Han family. He defeated Chimei and restored the power of the Han in China, and changed the capital to Luoyang. He reconquered parts of China he had lost in previous years, like Korea and Vietnam. He unified China. After him came Emperor Ming, and then Emperor Zhang
Advancements During the Ming and Gunagwu
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- Taxes were lessened
- Confucianism was encouraged
- Porcelain was perfected, was more long-lasting, and prettier
- Paper was perfected which lead to the spread of texts and prompted for people to read more
- Confucianism was encouraged
- Porcelain was perfected, was more long-lasting, and prettier
- Paper was perfected which lead to the spread of texts and prompted for people to read more
Fall of the Han
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After Emperor Zhang's death corruption spread and the next emperor lost a lot of power a, yet the officials and military leaders gained more power. Almost a century later this, the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the Five Pecks of Rice Rebllion occured. To control the public the emperor promoted the military commanders with more power. This only led to more corruption when these commanders took advantage of it. In 189 CE, a conflict at the capital, Luoyang, led to a new emperor, Emperor Xian. Although he was controlled by a commander, Dong Zhou, who was soon assinated. Emperor Xian was used by another commander, Cao Cao. Cao Cao attempted to unite the empire one more time, but failed. When he died Emperor Xian was given true power, but he gave up his throne to Cao Cao's son, who ended the Han Dynasty. Although the public didn't like him as a leader. This lead to division of the empire and the Three Kingdoms Period.