I. Emperor Qin Shihuangdi (pages 241–242)

A. Qin was a ruler of a local state during the Zhou dynasty. He gradually took over
neighboring states and declared himself Qin Shihuangdi, or First Qin Emperor.

B. Qin’s rule was based on legalism.

C. Qin abolished the officials’ authority to pass their posts on to their sons. He
became the only person authorized to fill empty posts.

D. Qin unified China, created one type of currency, ordered the building of roads
and buildings, and connected the Chang Jiang to central China by canal.

E. The Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese from the Xiongnu, a
nomadic people living north of China.

F. Chinese people believed Qin Shihuangdi was a harsh ruler, and they overthrew
his dynasty after his death

II. The Han Dynasty (pages 244–246)

A. Liu Bang founded the Han dynasty in 202 B.C

B. Civil service examinations began when Han Wudi started testing potential
government employees. Students prepared for many years to take the exams.

C. The population tripled during the Han dynasty. Farmers had to divide their land
among more and more sons, which left them with very little land. Farmers sold
their land to aristocrats and became tenant farmers to survive.

D. The Chinese invented many new products during the Han dynasty, such as the
waterwheel, the rudder, drill bits, steel, and paper.

E. Chinese doctors began practicing acupuncture, the practice of easing pain by
sticking needles into patients’ skin.

III. The Silk Road

A. Silk was the most valuable trade
product.

B. The Silk Road was an overland
trade route extended from western
China to southwest Asia.

IV. Major Changes in China

A. Buddhism spread from India to China.

B. The Han dynasty fell after wars, rebellions,
and plots against the emperor. Civil war began,
and nomads invaded the country before the
government collapsed.

C. Buddhism helped people cope with the
chaotic times.