The Han Dynasty (202-220 BCE)

A NEW METHOD
The Han dynasty tried to fix the problems other dynasties had fallen to, such as government that was too centralized or fragmented. Instead, Han Gaozu allocated power to his family. This didn't work too well either, but the dynasty was still successful.

BRINGIN' ACADEMICS BACK
An imperial university was founded by Han Wudi, another emperor. Three thousand young men enrolled to train for government service. They learned Confucian curriculum.

THE DYNASTY GAINS STRENGTH
Under Han Wudi, the Han dynasty conquered Vietnam and Korea and fought off the Xiongnu, a nomadic people north of China with war knowledge. The empire became rich in iron, silk and paper. Agricultural techniques improved and as a result there was a huge jump in population.


WHO WAS WANG MANG?
Wang Mang was an emperor who took the throne in place of the actual emperor, a two-year-old. He only had the throne for fourteen years, but instituted land reforms to distribute land and money from the rich landowners to the poor farmers. However, the effort didn't work out and there was a resulting famine. When the Han dynasty picked up again, it was much weaker and eventually fell apart.