• Han Dynasty 200 BC

The past 300 years have been tumultuous for China. Indeed, this period in Chinese history is known as the age of the “Warring States”. The competition between the states increased, and armies grew much larger, with professional generals, often of humble origin, commanding massed ranks of infantry and cavalry. The smaller states were swallowed up in the larger, until only one, Qin, was left. The first Chinese empire was thus established, and the Qin emperor and his ministers imposed a rigid, ruthless centralization upon the country. Their empire lasted barely a generation, however, before it dissolved into anarchy. Out of this chaos the Han Empire has arisen. The first emperor of the Han dynasty, who takes the reign-name Gaozu, has adopted much the same centralized system of government as the Qin, but with a milder style of rule. Taxes and labour services are less onerous than under their predecessors, and the laws less severe.

Related Timelines:
Timeline of Chinese History
Timeline of World History

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