Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political

Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political control in Han China (206 B. C. E. - 220 C. E. ) and Imperial Rome (31 B. C. E. – 476 C. E. )

Similarities Founding of empire Differences Han China Imperial Rome Both emerged in similar time period and grew to be similar land area and population Chinese had previous centralized states and were familiar with this type of political system (Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin) Roman empire was a new concept to this area of world (Europe) Both took over land brutally and strongly depended on military Chinese expansion of land was rapid (short lived Qin had doubled China’s size) More emphasis on maintaining borders than expanding (Great Wall existed from beginning b/c already large size) Warring state to unified state Roman expansion of land much slower; grew largely during republic phase (Hadrian’s Wall built during empire stage) City-state to unified state

Similarities Consolidation of power Differences Han China Imperial Rome Both ruled over large land areas Both used public works such as roads, bridges, canals, and walls to aid in expansion process Great Wall in China and Hadrian’s Wall in Britain Both were guided by supernatural (Roman emperors seen as gods and Chinese emperors seen as Son of Heaven and guided by Mandate of Heaven) Land empire Chinese empire mostly composed of Chinese. In addition, they assimilated many non-Chinese). Chinese language and ideology (Confucianism) provided unity Chinese Confucianism emphasized trained officials; civil service exam ensured this Strong bureaucracy (government workers) Filial piety: family was a model for state Land sea empire Roman empire was very diverse (Romans were in the minority). Romans did not culturally assimilate its people. While Latin was language of empire, many in east spoke Greek No unifying ideology Romans relied on elaborate laws instead Strong aristocracy

Similarities Collapse of empire Both empires became too big and expensive to maintain; poverty overtook the majority of people Both experienced political instability and foreign invasions Both experienced decline in cities, trade and population Both experienced a period of chaos and disorder upon collapse Differences Han China Imperial Rome Division of China into three kingdoms after collapse Collapse was followed by decentralization, however China later regroups into several more centralized empires Peasant rebellion (Yellow Turban) also contributed to collapse Division of Rome prior to collapse (east survived and became Byzantine Empire) Western Europe never really had a successful large scale empire again Decentralized feudal system

Thesis (Intro) Paragraph Need to address both similarities and differences. Can express this in more than one sentence. This is the bulk of your introduction.

Introduction Give some background / characteristics of the civilizations Thesis statement

Thesis Pointers Great starting/transition words - “While”/ “Despite”/ “Although”/ “However” Thesis must incorporate all parts of the prompt question and a time period (if given) A good thesis “lights the way” and provides a travel direction for the rest of the essay

Thesis No No’s YOU CAN NEVER SAY… “THERE WERE MANY SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO CIVILIZATIONS” Thesis must be more specific in stating how they were similar and different

Sample Thesis The Han Empire and Roman Empire had many similarities and differences. NOT ACCEPTED!!!!

Sample Thesis The Han and Roman Empires were both large, centralized states that exerted tremendous control over the people they ruled. However, varying ideologies and past experiences led to Han China having a more unified and cohesive political system than the Romans.

Topic Sentence Provides an overview of what will be discussed in the paragraph