How did causes of the Han decline exemplify the Chinese idea of the dynastic cycle?
A. The strong emperor distributed land to rebellious peasant leaders
B. the aging dynasty could no longer maintain roads and canals
C. The civil service reorganized to better align with daoist principles
D. Natural disasters indicated the dynasty had lost heavens favor
D. Natural disasters indicated the dynasty had lost heaven's favor
The correct answer is D. Natural disasters indicated the dynasty had lost heaven's favor.
The Chinese idea of the dynastic cycle is a recurring pattern in which a dynasty rises to power, thrives, and eventually declines and falls. The decline of the Han Dynasty is an example of this cycle because natural disasters were believed to be a sign that the dynasty had lost heaven's favor.
In Chinese belief, the ruler's mandate to govern comes from heaven. When a dynasty is prosperous and successful, it is seen as having heaven's favor. However, when natural disasters such as floods, droughts, or earthquakes occur, it is interpreted as a sign that the ruling dynasty has lost heaven's favor. This loss of favor weakens the dynasty and contributes to its decline.
Therefore, the causes of the Han decline exemplify the Chinese idea of the dynastic cycle because natural disasters were seen as indicators that the dynasty had lost heaven's favor.