Social Groups in China
Ancient China’s society was divided into many social groups; groups that included the imperial family, nobles, officials, peasants, artisans, merchants, soldiers and slaves. Each of them had unique characteristics that defined their place in China’s society. The imperial family, nobles and officials were in charge of controlling the citizens of China. The soldiers protected the emperor and his kingdom. The artisans and merchants produced and sold goods along the Silk Road that contributed to the rise of China’s economy. Then there were the peasants and slaves, who made up a large portion of China's population. They supported the emperor during his rule. Peasants worked hard to feed their families and provided plentiful crops. Slaves were captured from wars and used as free labor in the fields that would grow to feed all of China. Read all about them in the next few pages, and make sure to answer all the questions thoroughly. 玩得开心! Wán dé kāixīn!