Over the centuries, the wall was extended and rebuilt many times. Eventually, it snaked for thousands of miles across northern China. While the wall did not keep invaders out of China, it did demonstrate the emperors' ability to mobilize China's vast resources. In the long run, the Great Wall became an important symbol to the Chinese people, dividing and protecting their civilized world from the nomadic bands north of the wall.

Qin Dynasty Collapses

Shi Huangdi thought his empire would last forever. But when he died in 210 B.C., anger over heavy taxes, forced labor, and cruel policies exploded into revolts. As Qin power collapsed, Liu Bang (LEE oo BAHNG), an illiterate peasant leader, defeated rival armies and founded the new Han dynasty. Like earlier Chinese rulers, Liu Bang claimed the Mandate of Heaven.

The Han Dynasty Creates a Strong China

As emperor, Liu Bang took the title Gao Zu (gow dzoo) and set about restoring order and justice to his empire. Although he continued earlier efforts to unify China, he lowered taxes and eased the Qin emperor's harsh Legalist policies. In a key move, he appointed Confucian scholars as advisers. His policies created strong foundations for the Han dynasty, which is dated from 206 B.C. until A.D. 220.

Emperor Wudi Brings Great Changes

The most famous Han emperor, Wudi (woo dee), took China to new heights. During his long reign from about 141 B.C. to 87 B.C., he strengthened the government and economy. Like Gao Zu, he chose Confucian men of “wisdom and virtue” as officials. To train scholars, he set up an imperial university at Xian (shyahn).

Shi Huangdi had a 20-square-mile compound built for his tomb. The emperor had himself buried with an army of about 8,000 life-size clay soldiers to guard him after his death. They carried actual weapons and were grouped in military formation.

Wudi boosted economic growth by improving canals and roads. He had granaries set up across the empire so the government could buy grain when it was abundant and sell it at stable prices when it was scarce.

He reorganized finances and imposed a government monopoly on iron and salt. A monopoly is the complete control of a product or business by one person or group. The sale of iron and salt gave the government a source of income other than taxes on peasants.

Wudi followed a policy of expansionism, or expanding a country's territory. His endless campaign to secure and expand China's borders earned him the title “Warrior Emperor.” Wudi fought many battles to drive nomadic peoples beyond the Great Wall.

The Han emperor, Wudi, receives a letter from a messenger.

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