Liu Bang（Gaozu）won the Chu–Han contention after the fall of Qin and founded the Han（Former Han）in 202 BCE. Later, the Han reached its height during the reign of Emperor Wu.
The Establishment of the Former Han and the Jun-guo System
Reflecting on Qin's harsh rule, Liu Bang initially adopted the jun-guo system, which combined the feudal system and the commandery-county system. He granted territories to feudal kings（members of the Liu clan）while also establishing commanderies under direct central control.
- 202 BCE：Liu Bang founded the Former Han with Chang'an as its capital
- Jun-guo system：gradually centralized power while granting fiefs to relatives and meritorious officials
- The reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing（2nd century BCE）：a stable period called the "Rule of Wen and Jing"
・Order of Favorable Treatment：required the territories of feudal kings to be divided among their sons as inheritance, weakening the power of the feudal lords
・Establishment of Confucianism as the state orthodoxy：on the recommendation of Dong Zhongshu, adopted Confucian learning as the state's official learning. Established the Imperial University
・Equalization law and Price stabilization law：the state managed the distribution of goods and stabilized its finances
・State monopolies on salt, iron, and liquor：a main pillar of financial strengthening
During Emperor Wu's reign, the Han Empire was also active abroad, defeating the Xiongnu and advancing into the Western Regions.
Confucianism and the State
Emperor Wu's decision to make Confucianism the state orthodoxy was extremely important in Chinese history. Thereafter, Confucianism became the central subject of the civil service examinations and continued to influence political thought and ethical standards throughout East Asia for about 2,000 years.
Practice
- What was the system that Emperor Wu implemented to weaken the feudal lords by encouraging the division of their territories?
- Who recommended that Emperor Wu adopt Confucian learning as the state's official learning?
- Name two goods covered by the state monopolies implemented by Emperor Wu to strengthen finances.