Analyze The Economic And Cultural Changes In The Han Dynasty

716 Words3 Pages

China had undergone many economic and cultural changes and continuities during the period of time from 200 B.C. to 300 C.E. The Zhou dynasty fell in 256 B.C. due to civil conflict, and the Qin declared itself the leader. The Qin emperor was able to defeat all his rivals in 221 B.C., proclaiming the new Qin dynasty. The Qin dynasty, however, did not last long as it was overthrown a few years after its emperor died in 210 B.C. The Han dynasty appeared in 202 B.C. after the Qin and fell in 220 C.E., ending China’s major cultural and economic development period without another dynasty until over 400 years later. Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were major cultural developments from the time period just before the fall of the Zhou dynasty. Confucius, the creator of Confucianism, lived from 551 B.C. to 471 B.C. teaching about his philosophy of duty and humanity. He believed every person played a role and it depended on them to fulfill it so that people could live together happily. He also believed in compassion, respect, and …show more content…

The Han dynasty switched from the Qin dynasty’s Legalistic policy to the Confucian ways. This created a common religion as well as culture in the empire. The government ran on the Confucian system and had a much more merciful rule. The people all had the same belief making the Han empire prosperous. The Confucian schools were created to teach the next generation and keep the people successful. The Confucian classics were mandatory for children and formed them into adults who would be the next to continue the Han dynasty. Writing became an important part of the culture as well. Many literary works were made including stories, history, politics, and biographies. Technology also grew during this dynasty. New textile manufacturing, agricultural, and metallurgy skills were developed and began the evolution of advanced