The Han Empire, Korea and Japan

The Han Dynasty is Born Huangdi dies and the Han dynasty comes to power – Liu Bang is victorious over other leaders Han dynasty also uses centralized gov’t – People paid taxes and 1 month of labor – People tested for civil service jobs Tested on Confucian knowledge Major Han Achievements – Paper (105 AD), collar harness, 2-blade plow, wheelbarrow, keeping silk secret hidden, porcelain Han dynasty will fall due to uneven distribution of wealth b/w rich and poor

The Map of the Silk Roads The Silk Roads were one of the most important trade routes in the world – Connected China to the rest of the world – Sold numerous products including silk, porcelain, and spread ideas on government and Buddhism

Geography of Korea and Japan Korea – peninsula off of the coast of China – Mountainous area with limited farmland Japan – archipelago (islands) east of China in Pacific – Mountainous islands with limited farmland Korea Japan China

Influence of China on Korea Han dynasty first to conquer the area of Korea – Borrowed the Chinese ideas of Centralized government Confucianism Buddhism Chinese writing – eventually created their own style Ancient China

Japanese Culture Religion known as Shinto – “way of the gods” – Based on respecting the forces of nature – Also focuses on ancestor worship – Believed in kami- divine spirits living in nature Also influenced be Chinese culture – Buddhism will mix with Shinto beliefs – Adopted Chinese culture, art, government and writing Government later changes to feudalistic society – Landowners hire samurais- warriors Followed Bushido – code of conduct for samurai warriors – Also hired to protect shogun (Japanese king)