What did the Han dynasty continue from the Qin dynasty, and what did they change?
The Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) continued several aspects of the previous Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) while also introducing significant changes.
Continuations from the Qin dynasty by the Han dynasty include:
1. Administrative System: The Han dynasty continued the centralized bureaucratic system established by the Qin, which included a complex hierarchy of officials and standardized laws and regulations.
2. Legalism: The Han dynasty retained the Legalist principles of strict law and punishment emphasized by the Qin dynasty, although they gradually adopted a more Confucian approach over time.
3. Territorial Expansion: The Han dynasty continued the territorial conquests of the Qin dynasty and expanded the Chinese empire further into Central Asia.
4. Infrastructure Development: Both dynasties focused on the construction of roads, canals, and other infrastructure projects to improve communication and facilitate trade and transportation.
Changes introduced by the Han dynasty include:
1. Government Policy: The Han dynasty shifted from the oppressive policies and heavy taxation of the Qin dynasty towards a more moderate approach, which aimed to win the support of the population by reducing the harshness of legal measures.
2. Confucian Influence: The Han rulers embraced Confucianism as the guiding ideology and placed greater emphasis on education and ethical governance, which represented a departure from the Legalist ideology of the Qin dynasty.
3. Consolidation of Imperial Power: The Han dynasty introduced a more stable and long-lasting imperial rule by establishing a hereditary system, whereby emperors passed the throne to their chosen heirs, ensuring a continuity of power for several generations.
4. Economic Reforms: The Han dynasty implemented measures to promote agriculture, encourage trade, and stabilize the economy, such as reducing taxes on peasants and providing state loans to merchants.
Overall, while the Han dynasty built upon certain foundations laid by the Qin dynasty, they made significant changes in policies, ideology, and governance, which contributed to the prosperity and longevity of their empire.