Rise and Fall of Chinese Empires Chapter 3 Section 4.

Rise and Fall of Chinese Empires

Chapter 3

Section 4

STARTER What makes you want to obey rules?

The Qin Dynasty Ruler Qin Shihuangdi 245 B.C. (13 years old) Created a single monetary system and built roads

The Emperor’s Army 1974 – farmers that were

digging a well discovered an underground pit near the burial mound of Qin.

Army of terra-cotta figures. Archaeologists believed it was

a re-creation of Qin’s imperial guard. Found more than six thousand figures.

Horses, wooden chariots and seven thousand bronze weapons.

The Great Wall Built by the Qin Emperor

to strengthen existing protection From the Gobi people of

the North (nomads)

Required thousands of workers Many died and legend has

it they are buried within the walls.

Political Changes Legalism was adopted as the regime’s –

government in power – official ideology. Those who opposed the policies of the new

regime were punished or executed. Government was divided

Civil Division Military Division Censorate – People who are in charge of checking

on Government officials

Country Side Divided up into 2 levels

Provinces Counties

Officials were appointed and dismissed by the Emperor… or KILLED!!!

The Fall of the Qin Dynasty The emperor died and the dynasty was

overthrown. After the fall there was a period of Civil

War. A new dynasty soon arose (The Han

Dynasty)

Han Dynasty Followed Confucian ideals, NOT Legalistic!! Followed in the footsteps of Qin:

3 divisions of Government Divided the countryside into 2 parts

Did NOT follow Qin: Officials had to pass tests to govern the land

-Got Jobs based on how GOOD you were… not WHO you were!! Yay!!

Growth of Han The Empire Expands

Good or Bad?? Empire become stronger, more military Peasants suffer

Average land plot shrinks – NOT ENOUGH LAND for so many people!

Have to serve in the military Forced to sell land and work on noble lands

Growth of Technology PAPER!!! Iron Casting!!! Education!!!

Fall of the Han Empire By A. D. 170, wars, intrigues at the court,

and peasant uprisings brought the virtual collapse of the Han Dynasty.