Han China Dbq Essay

Words: 1052
Pages: 5

The Han Dynasty arose in 206 BCE, and became very powerful very quickly. They were the first long-lasting leadership group, who managed to stay in power through centralized rule. Similarly, the Roman Empire stayed in power for a prolonged period, accumulating more land and power through a centralized government system as well. In Both Han China and the Roman Empire, expansion and power were important virtues. As they expanded their empires, their rulers-- wanting to appear feared and powerful-- used technology to not only centralize society, but to also have greater military advantages. Han and Roman attitudes towards technology were similar in the means of water management, in addition to a similar evaluation of rulers based on their use of technology, however differed in philosophical opinions of technology.
Han and Roman
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In Rome, water was brought into the city from aqueducts, and then used for public and private buildings and uses. The uses of water were controlled by water commissioners and other government officials (Doc 8). Similarly, the Han Chinese established water conservation offices to regulate flooding and control irrigation (Doc 1). During the time that this document was written, the Han dynasty was just starting. They used technology to keep peace, and prevent rebellion-- therefore making a stronger empire. The author of Doc 8 was a Roman general, meaning he is trying to illustrate his water proposal plan to be superior to others. In all cases, people utilized the government to organize water usage. This qualifies both documents’ information, meaning that if both societies had similar systems, they must have been functional and well-suited. However they differed in the means that Chinese water was used specifically as a tool, whereas Roman water had other functions like filling the fountains, and private