Ancient China Government
The people of ancient China were ruled by dynasties, often the dynasties would be competing with each other when being in control of different regions. Ancient China's resources large areas and population meant that they needed to have a fairly large, strong government. When one of these regional dynasties became domain their king would become emperor. The dynasties were very ruthless and enforcing their rules of armies and labour forces, but this may have been necessary considering the threat of barbarian invasion, internal rivals and rebellions. Confucianism was developed in ancient China, good governance and merit based promotion for government offices. Emperors and officials were virtues and effective models for their subjects.
The first Emperor of China
China was united under the first emperor Qin Shi Huang, in 221 BC. The emperor would order for all books to be burned so they removed all evidence of any dynasties and burying scholars alive by ceiling them in a room. His strict rules allowed him to have labour forces, allowing him to start the Great Wall of China. The workers died by the thousands from harsh conditions, but the nomadic tribes would protect them from invaders and archers. These nomads also killed thousands of Chinese soldiers from their bloody battles.
Officials
Officials were another group held high in society. Boys that had parents that could afford school would go at an early age so as to become officials; they were required to pass a difficult exam. However if they did not pass they were still able to get a job because they were well educated. Officials were arranged in ranks, the two most senior would advise the emperor. Officials were treated with respect because of their place and their education.
Nobles
Nobles were very privileged because they were extended family of the emperor and empress those who excelled in their fields and in the military. The nobles however changed depending on who gained or fell in the kingdom. When a new emperor came in it was normal for him to choose new nobles. Nobles became landowners and collected taxes from those who lived on their land. They had to give some of their earnings to the emperor, so they can have privileges and protection.
Peasants
Peasant farmers in ancient China and were one of the lowest social groups, they were still considered one of the most important because they produced all of Chinas produce. Most peasants were very poor and had simple lives, they worked very hard and rarely had days off. Peasants that were men would have to work with harsh conditions. They would work through the hot summer and the cold winter which would generally ruin their crops. If the crops died their family would have very little to eat during the winter.
Artisans
Artisans were a part of the commoner group in China; they were mostly painters, carpenters, potters and jewellery makers. Artisans earn more than farmers but less than merchants. They did not have a good social status but were well-respected for their skills.
Merchants
Merchants were either traders, animal breeders or money lenders. They were considered the lowest on the social level and people thought that they did not contribute to the well-being of the society. Most merchants would be wealthy and would live in luxury.
Slaves
Slaves were very small in ancient China and were usually the relatives of criminals or fairly poor people. Other slaves were only children because some poor people sold their children to be slaves.
The first Emperor of China
China was united under the first emperor Qin Shi Huang, in 221 BC. The emperor would order for all books to be burned so they removed all evidence of any dynasties and burying scholars alive by ceiling them in a room. His strict rules allowed him to have labour forces, allowing him to start the Great Wall of China. The workers died by the thousands from harsh conditions, but the nomadic tribes would protect them from invaders and archers. These nomads also killed thousands of Chinese soldiers from their bloody battles.
Officials
Officials were another group held high in society. Boys that had parents that could afford school would go at an early age so as to become officials; they were required to pass a difficult exam. However if they did not pass they were still able to get a job because they were well educated. Officials were arranged in ranks, the two most senior would advise the emperor. Officials were treated with respect because of their place and their education.
Nobles
Nobles were very privileged because they were extended family of the emperor and empress those who excelled in their fields and in the military. The nobles however changed depending on who gained or fell in the kingdom. When a new emperor came in it was normal for him to choose new nobles. Nobles became landowners and collected taxes from those who lived on their land. They had to give some of their earnings to the emperor, so they can have privileges and protection.
Peasants
Peasant farmers in ancient China and were one of the lowest social groups, they were still considered one of the most important because they produced all of Chinas produce. Most peasants were very poor and had simple lives, they worked very hard and rarely had days off. Peasants that were men would have to work with harsh conditions. They would work through the hot summer and the cold winter which would generally ruin their crops. If the crops died their family would have very little to eat during the winter.
Artisans
Artisans were a part of the commoner group in China; they were mostly painters, carpenters, potters and jewellery makers. Artisans earn more than farmers but less than merchants. They did not have a good social status but were well-respected for their skills.
Merchants
Merchants were either traders, animal breeders or money lenders. They were considered the lowest on the social level and people thought that they did not contribute to the well-being of the society. Most merchants would be wealthy and would live in luxury.
Slaves
Slaves were very small in ancient China and were usually the relatives of criminals or fairly poor people. Other slaves were only children because some poor people sold their children to be slaves.