Chapter 4 (B) - A.C. Han Dynasty Orgins

Han China Overview

• Time period: 206 BCE - 220 CE

Dynastic Structure

Major Periods

• Western Han (Former Han): 202 BCE – 8 CE

• Xin Dynasty: 9 CE – 23 CE

• Eastern Han (Later Han): 24 CE – 220 CE

Key Figures

Liu Bang (Gaozu)

• Reigned from 256-195 BCE

• Background: Farmer who became a minor military figure.

• Notable Achievement: Won the Chu-Han Contention which led to his self-naming as Emperor Gaozu.

Western Han Characteristics

• Dynasty Foundation

  • Emperor: Gaozu (Liu Bang)

  • Reign: 202 BCE – 195 BCE

  • Capital: Selected Chang’an

  • Administration: Embraced Legalist policies, while introducing Confucian elements.

  • Tax Reforms: Lessened the tax burden and reduced the corvee labor period.

• Internal Conflict

  • Gaozu died in 195 BCE, leading to 15 years of succession issues.

  • Stabilization by Emperor Wen (son of Gaozu) in 180 BCE.

  • Actions: Eliminated rivals, expanded the empire, and lowered taxes.

Emperor Wudi

• Reigned from 141 BCE – 87 BCE.

• Significant military expansion during his reign.

• Increased government efficiency and sent out explorers.

Social Structure

Han Social Hierarchy

• Emperor

• Governors and Kings

• Nobles, Scholars, and State Officials

• Peasants (Farmers): Comprising 90% of the population.

• Artisans and Merchants

• Soldiers

• Slaves

Wealth Discrepancy

• Wealthy families lived in large estates with hired laborers and private security.

• Peasants endured long work hours, low pay, and heavy taxation.

Confucian Influence on Family and Society

• Emphasized familial hierarchy:

  • Obedience: Children to parents, wives to husbands, and citizens to the emperor.

Civil Service System

• Over 130,000 employees across 18 ranks.

• Civil service exams based on Confucian principles.

• Wudi established a Confucian university.

• Merit-based system, but education access was limited for the poor.

• Lasted until 1905 with the downfall of the last dynasty.

Military Conflicts and Expansion

The Xiongnu Threat

• Under Emperor Wudi, armies defeated nomadic Xiongnu.

• The constant threat from nomads justified the construction of the Great Wall.

Expansion and Trade

Zhang Qian's Exploration

• Explored westward under Wudi, establishing contacts for Silk Road trade.

• Discovered traders negotiating with Greeks.

The Silk Road

• Routes established in 138 BCE for trading goods, leading to exchanges as far as Rome.

• Major exports: Silk, with Rome unaware of its direct source.

Xin Dynasty (9 CE – 24 CE)

• Wang Mang's Coup: Overthrew Han in 9 CE.

• Policies: Attempted land reform angered wealthy landholders; changed coinage system angered merchants.

Issues of the Xin Dynasty

• Natural disasters and military discontent contributed to instability.

• Wang Mang was killed by his own soldiers, restoring the Han dynasty.

Eastern Han (25 – 220 CE)

• New capital moved to Luoyang.

• Initially successful, fell into decline with weak emperors after 80 CE.

• The Yellow Turban Rebellion in 184 CE threatened Luoyang.

Han Technological Achievements

Innovations

• Paper invented in 105 CE: Made books inexpensive, expanded education.

• Collar Harness: Allowed horses to carry heavier loads.

• Plow: Independently invented, enhancing agricultural efficiency.

• Wheelbarrow: Enabled transport of heavier weights.

Decline of the Han Dynasty

• Early 2nd century CE: General Cao Cao took power but could not establish a stable dynasty.

• Resulted in 350 years of dynastic instability.