ABSTRACT
The creation of a new centralized empire, the end of feudalism and of serfdom, the establishment of a bureaucratic administration, and the new role assumed by the peasants and merchants could not be reversed, even though an attempt was made for a short time to reestablish some kingdoms and aristocratic houses. The Han Dynasty took over the government structure erected by the first emperor; basically the land was administered as heretofore by appointed officials in charge of commanderies and districts. The importance of the Han emperors' choice of Confucian scholars over all other schools for service to the state cannot easily be overstated. The Han emperor felt strong enough to confront the Hsiung-nu with military arms and diplomatic interference in their political system. Military colonies had already been established at the border and the Great Wall had been extended to enclose the region of today's Inner Mongolia.
