Question

Why do you think the Chinese government chose to compete with private mills in the production of silk?

Private mills could not produce enough silk to meet demand.
Silk produced by the government was of higher quality.
Silk was one of the most profitable Chinese products.

Why did Wang Mang’s efforts to help poor people backfire?

Wang Mang suppressed the poor in order to provide more land for the rich.
New policies caused new problems. The government not help the starving people after a huge flood.
Wang Mang’s government did not mint enough new money to meet demand.