Which of the following accurately describes the political conditions of the Roman Republic ? Power rested in one, all-power whose legitimacy come from military success and conquest of new territory. Land was the basis of wealth, and agriculture was the essential economic activity. Power was shared among the people through direct democracy, although women and slaves had few rights Power was centered in the Senate, where select male citizens made foreign and domestic policies, Wealth was divided equally among citizens, and political power resided in many assemblies where all voices in the decision making process were equal. D

One impact of the expansion of the Roman Empire was Efficient and profitable trade because of the safety and stability of Roman rule. The spread of the Latin language and Roman customs around the entire Mediterranean region. That land was divided more evenly among the people of the empire than in previous times. An increase in the reliance on slave labor A dramatic reduction in the gap between rich and poor.

The Origins of Imperial China Ch. 4 (pp. 157 – 165) Key Concept 2.1 The Development and Codification of Religious and Cultural Traditions Key Concept 2.2 The Development of States and Empires Key Concept 2.3 Emergence of Transregional Networks of Communication and Exchange Essential Question: How did imperial China evolve under the Qin and Han Dynasties?

The “Warring States Period” 481 – 221 B.C.E. Era of extreme decentralization and conflict that signaled the decline of the Zhou Dynasty Trying to regain control of their subjects, Zhou rulers instituted legalist policies Severe punishments administered to citizens who failed to comply with the ruler

The Qin Empire By 221 B.C.E., Shi Huangdi (leader of the Qin province) was able to overrun neighboring territories Reunited China Issued currency Imposed strict legalist policies

The Qin Empire Shi Huangdi also began construction of the Great Wall to defend against nomads to the North At times made offensive attacks against nomads In response, nomads unified into the Xiongnu (a confederacy that would remain a threat to China for centuries to come)

The Fall of the Qin Bitter from the strict rule of Shi Huangdi, peasants revolted & the empire again dissolved However, by 202 B.C.E., a new province known as the Han took control of China & reunified it

The Long Reign of the Han, 202. B.C.E. to 220 C.E. Han ushered in a period of peace, growth, and cultural & technological developments Centralized government Civil Service Exam Confucian principles Issued currency Expanded the empire Built roads & promoted trade along the Silk Road Parts of Vietnam, Korea & Manchuria

The Long Reign of the Han, 202. B.C.E. to 220 C.E. Social hierarchy consisted of: Emperors Governors Nobles & the Scholar-Gentry Farmers Artisans & Merchants Slaves

The Long Reign of the Han, 202. B.C.E. to 220 C.E. Technological achievements Paper Yoke (animal harness) At times, over production led to deforestation & soil erosion Silk production

The Long Reign of the Han, 202. B.C.E. to 220 C.E. Cultural developments Han Foundations of Confucian society Veneration of ancestors continued Introduction of Buddhism

The Collapse of the Han Han faced continual raids from Xiongnu Led to economic problems & military breakdown Natural disasters Signaled loss of Mandate of Heaven Gap between rich & poor grew Widespread poverty

The Collapse of the Han 220 C.E., the Han Empire officially ended, ushering China into a 400 year period of political fragmentation The “Three Kingdoms” Period