The Western Han Dynasty Fiscal Policy Research

Based on the previous research results, this dissertation reviewes the literature that handed down from ancient times. And, combined with the material of the unearthed bamboo slip of the Han Dynasty, it also researches the financial policy problems of the Western Han Dynasty. The dissertation is mainly divided into three parts.From the point of view of the national financial recovery, the first part of this dissertation discusses the national financial policy of the early Western Han Dynasty. Learned the lesson of the Qin Dynasty’s downfall, emperors of the Western Han Dynasty adopted a relatively looser financial policy. On financial revenue policy, the central government took measures to establish and improve tax collection system. In order to increase financial revenue, emperors promoted a decree about "Family Division" to expand the scale of peasant family. While on financial expenditure policy, emperors leaned towards drawing rein. Mentioned to the monetary policy of the early Western Han Dynasty, I make some new analyses on the monetary policy which made by Emperor Wen of Han. Although there were some inadequacies in his currency reform, the actual results of stable currency value and the central treasury should be worth affirmation. In addition, I revaluate the significance of the mint by DengTong. In appendix, I use the Fenghuangshan bamboo slip to study local finance of the Western Han Dynasty.From the point of view of the financial crisis resolution, the second part of this dissertation explores the policies of national financial revenue and the problems of structural alteration of the middle Western Han Dynasty. Emperor Wu of Han inherited "Wen Jing Zhi Zhi " accumulation of wealth and strength, however, the frequent external wars could soon pull down the national finance. Therefore, in order to pull the national finance back from the brink of collapse, Emperor Wu of Han not only permeated imperial power into financial field comprehensively, but also broke through the bondage of the traditional financial revenue system, and made a significant adjustment of revenue structure. As a result, the Western Han Dynasty government temporarily got over the shadow of financial crisis.From the point of view of financial policy adjustment, the third part of this dissertation investigates the financial policy of the late Western Han Dynasty. In order to make national finance on track, emperors adjusted the national finance policy actively, such as moderate liberalized Government-run policy and pushed physiocracy policy. By analysing material, I consider that Emperor Xuan of Han’s financial policy was moderate. As the autocratic imperial power became flabby, and the classics studies were prevailing, more and more officials pay close attention to financial problems. On one hand, it could restraint the rulers who wanted to abuse the national and the royal financial, but on the other hand, it was also convenient for officials to seek personal gain.