As the first period of the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220), the Western Han Dynasty (207BC-AD25) was established during the Warring States Period.
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| Changxin Palace Lantern |
The Western Han was a strong and prosperous period in the Han Dynasty, with a fast development of its politics, economy and culture under Emperor Wendi and Jingdi, to Emperor Wudi.
The Western Han retained much of the Qin systems, but adopted a ruling policy different from the tyranny of the Qin. Han rulers modified harsh laws, carried out the policy of rehabilitation and reduced taxes to establish a solid, material foundation for the Golden Age under the reign of Emperor Wudi (sixth emperor of the Han Dynasty). During this period, the legal system became more civilized and excruciations were also gradually abolished.
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| Painted porcelain pot of the Han Dynasty |
To strengthen his power, Emperor Wudi accepted Dong Zhongshu's proposal to reject other schools of thought, while only respecting Confucianism. Unlike the cruel First Emperor Qin, Emperor Wudi combined the study of Confucianism with selecting officials. Confucian classics gradually became main reading materials for scholars and Confucianism gained dominance. By doing so, Emperor Wudi unified the empire in political philosophy which consequently strengthened his rule.
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