How did the Han government differ from the qin government
The Han government differed from the Qin government in several ways:
1. Governance style: The Qin government was highly centralized and authoritarian, with absolute power concentrated in the hands of the emperor. In contrast, the Han government was more decentralized and adopted a more moderate approach to governance.
2. Legal system: The Qin government enforced strict and harsh legal codes, often using severe punishments. The Han government, on the other hand, introduced more lenient and humane laws, emphasizing the importance of Confucian ethics.
3. Territorial expansion: The Qin government successfully unified China for the first time, greatly expanding its territory. The Han government continued this expansion, but also focused on consolidating and stabilizing the newly acquired territories.
4. Confucian influence: The Qin government suppressed Confucianism and favored Legalism as its governing philosophy. In contrast, the Han government embraced Confucianism, adopting it as the official state ideology and integrating Confucian principles into its governance and education systems.
5. Bureaucracy: The Qin government established a highly centralized and efficient bureaucratic system, known as the "Three Lordships and Nine Ministers." The Han government further expanded this system, allowing for greater participation from local officials and implementing a merit-based system of recruitment.
6. Cultural and intellectual development: The Han government saw a flourishing of arts, literature, and scholarship, with the emergence of renowned figures such as Sima Qian (historian) and Ban Zhao (scholar and writer). The Qin government, on the other hand, focused more on infrastructure and military expansion, neglecting cultural and intellectual pursuits.