Chapter 9: China's Flourishing Civilization "The Han Dynasty"

Introduction
Students have read about the Han dynasty and learned why it was an improvement over the Qin's strict rule. In addition, they learned that it encompassed the peaceful period known as the Pax Sinica, a 400-year period of prosperity and stability. Finally, they learned how the Han's power finally declined but left behind lasting achievements in government, technology, science, and the arts.

Lesson Description
Students will go to The Han Dynasty: The Empire Consolidated Web site. They will then answer four questions about what they have read.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will learn more about the accomplishments of the Han dynasty.
2. Students will learn what aspects of earlier dynasties were used and improved upon by the Han dynasty.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. Confucianism provided the empire with a supporting ideology, a system of beliefs about society.
2. Because Wu Ti wanted to expand his empire, he raised the peasants' taxes while leaving the landowners virtually exempt from taxation. In addition, he increased the amount of labor and military service the peasants were forced to contribute to the state.
3. He sought to redistribute land to peasant families. He also sought to end inflation by stabilizing prices.
4. Students' answers will vary but should include such points as bungling officials, powerful landowners unwilling to share their wealth, and lack of sufficient power to control these and other elements of society.

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