EconomicChina1

Economy: There were large gaps between China's upper class and peasants. There were three main social/economic groups: elite/landowning aristocrats, peasants and artisans, and unskilled workers. Zhou Dynasty: lacked means to control the territories directly so they gave large estates to family and supporters. In exchange, the supporters would give troops and tax revenues. Qin Dynasty: the government standardized coinage, weights, and measurements and made Chinese writing uniform. During the Qin Dynasty, Shi Huangdi assumed control of feudal states. Needed high taxes to support large army, which made the emperor unpopular. Han Dynasty: Under the Han Dynasty, trade became increasingly important. Trade focused mainly on luxury items for the upper class. China exported silk through the Silk Road with merchants that went through central Asia. However, one of the reasons for the Han's decline is corruption. Harmony played a key part in the economy of China. The economic innovations didn't disrupt an emphasis on order and stability. The government related beliefs about human ideas to the economy, and in return political stability aided economic growth. This strong economy provided tax revenues. Tight family organizations also helped solidify economic views. When technology arrived to China, taxation was high. Borders were extended to India for trade Production of Iron and Salt Silk became a major trade product