The Qin dynasty ruled China from 221 to

The Qin dynasty ruled China from 221 to 206 B. C. Shi Huang-Ti, the Qin ruler, called himself First Emperor. E. Napp

Shi Huang-Ti centralized the government. He ordered a uniform system of weights and measures as well as a uniform system of writing. E. Napp

He united previous walls into a Great Wall of China to keep invaders out. E. Napp

However, Shi Huang-Ti was strict and cruel. E. Napp

He believed in Legalism, a Chinese philosophy that advocated strict laws and harsh punishments to force selfish people to be good. E. Napp

The dynasty collapsed after his death. E. Napp

China’s next dynasty was the Han dynasty. E. Napp

The Han dynasty unified China for over four hundred years. Han emperors ruled China from 206 B. C. to 220 A. D. The Han dynasty is frequently compared to the Roman Empire. E. Napp

Han emperors expanded China’s borders and increased trade. E. Napp

During the Han dynasty, Confucianism began the official philosophy of China. Confucianism stressed the importance of individuals knowing and doing what was expected of them. Confucius taught that social order led to peace. E. Napp

Confucius believed in the importance of the social order. He believed that an orderly society was a peaceful society. E. Napp

During the Han dynasty, a civil service examination based on Confucianism was established. In order to work in the Chinese government, a man had to pass an examination on Chinese history and Confucianism. E. Napp

To work for the government, a Chinese man had to pass a difficult examination. By establishing a civil service examination, education was emphasized. E. Napp

The Silk Road was a famous Chinese trading route used during the Han dynasty. E. Napp

The Chinese invented the compass and many other wonderful objects. These objects spread along the Silk Road. E. Napp

Chinese contact with India even led to the introduction of Buddhism in China. E. Napp