Han Dynasty Dbq

The Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty was a period of peace and prosperity. During the time of 206 BCE-220 CE, it was considered to be a world power having interests in literature,arts, culture, and technology as well as achieving numerous praiseworthy successes. It was found and established by Liu Bang, who became Emperor Gaozu following four years of civil war started by peasant uprisings agaisnt the Qin Dynasty. It was ruled by 12 emperors who promoted reform and lessened taxes, letting the people live in stability and peace. However, after two centuries the quality of Han rule declined and invasions overturned the dynasty entirely.

One of the most effective and long lasting emperors was Emperor Wudi. Wudi was the seventh emperor of the Han Dynasty

of China and inherited the imperial power when he was only 15. As soon as he started ruling, he commanded the examination of Confucian scholars, and those who were successful in the exam were mainly put in official positions. During his reign (141 to 87 BC) the Han ruling court and the army started winning major battles, and they conquered Xiangnu territory and greatly expanded the empire. The Han also defeated armies and navies to the south, and the dyansty expanded into what are now Northern Vietnam, Yunnan, Guang Xi, and Guangdong. During the same time between 130 BC and 100 BC, trade with Western countries brought wealth to the rulers and merchants. Emperor Wudi’s court sent envoys to the west, and a large scale trade developed in the Silk Road. In this way, the Han’s knowledge of philosophy, religion, and technoloy, increased.
Jade was prized for its hardness, durability, and beauty. In particular, its subtle, translucent colors and protective qualities caused it to become associated with Chinese conceptions of the soul and immortality. During the Han Dynasty, Jade objects became increasingly embellished with animals and other decorative designs. The most extroardinary jade artworks were the “jade suits” made for deceased nobles to ward off spirts in the after life. Furthermore, it reflected the ancient Chinese belief that jade would confer immortality or prolong life and prevent decay.
The Han dyansty brought China to new heights mainly because of their achievements. The creation of irrigation and waters (public works) conservation projects made this possible. The advancement in the making of farming tools contributed greatly to the increase in agricultural revenues which helped boost the Han Economy. Additionally, the stability of the country and rapid development of the arts with the invention of paper provided commerce a favorable environment to develop. Many commercial cities developed around the capital, Chang’ an,” in which foreign trade prospered due to the opening of the Silk Road.
Despite all the changes, and the tremendous differences today between today’s China and the Han period politically, ideologically and demographically, the influences of the Han period are still very clearly felt in China. Science, technology, the arts and crafts are more closely connected to China than anywhere else. Throughout time they continued to flourish and reached new levels of technical and artistic excellence that influenced other countries across the world.