Why is the Han Dynasty considered a “Golden Era” in Chinese history?

A. The Han Dynasty used gold as the official royal colors.
Incorrect. Try again.

B. The silk roads connected Rome and China.
Incorrect. While this is true, it is not the best answer choice available.

C. It was a period of political stability and economic prosperity.
Correct! In addition to political and economic stability, the Chinese also experienced a flourishing of art and culture during the Han period.

D. It was during this time that the Yangtze Gold Rush occurred.
Incorrect. No such event ever happened.

Which of the following was NOT tested on the Chinese civil service exam?

A. Science
Correct! While the Chinese had many of the most advanced scientists in the world, the subject of science was not on the exam.

B. Poetry
Incorrect. Writing poetry was considered very important because it showed that you were a cultured and intelligent individual.

C. Ceremony
Incorrect. Ceremony and rituals were extremely important to Confucianism!

D. Music
Incorrect. Studying music was considered important because it showed that you were a cultured and intelligent individual.

Which of the following would NOT be considered part of a bureaucracy?

A. The president’s Secretary of Education in the United States
Incorrect. This type of government official is part of a bureaucracy.

B. A Confucian scholar who is put in charge of tax collection for a particular region of China.
Incorrect. This is the type of job that would be considered part of a bureaucracy.

C. The governor of a small state such as Rhode Island
Incorrect. Governors of states would be considered part of a bureaucracy.

D. The chief of a tribe of nomadic Indians
Correct! Small, nomadic peoples have little use for bureaucracy because their society does not have the size or scale that makes a bureaucracy necessary.

Which of the following statements would Confucius agree with?

A. Earning as much money as possible in your life is a valuable goal.
Incorrect. In fact, Confucius thought money seeking was one of the most immoral things a person could do! It was considered too selfish.

B. A husband should show respect toward his wife as an equal.
Incorrect. While Confucius valued the importance of family and loyalty to one’s family, he did not regard women as being worthy of equal respect with men.

C. Education is only important for the elite.
Incorrect. Confucius valued education for all people. Being educated was a virtuous trait.

D. One should remain obedient to authority and not try to question those above you.
Correct! Confucius did not believe in questioning “the order of things.” Obedience and loyalty were valued above questioning and thinking for yourself.

Around what time did the Han Dynasty exist in China?

A. 1450 - 1650 AD
Incorrect. The Han Dynasty was much earlier.

B. 200 BC - 200 AD
Correct! The Han Dynasty existed for roughly this 400 year period.

C. 1000 BC to 800 BC
Incorrect. This is too early in history.

D. 1945 - 1979 AD
Incorrect. The Han Dynasty is part of ancient history.