Unit 5-China Qin Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty Quiz A. Confucianism B. Daoism C. Legalism 1. Strict rule with harsh punishments 2. “Go with the flow” 3. All power to the legal ruler 4. Be in harmony with nature 5. Practice what you preach/lead by example 6. Respect for family, hard work and education

How did the Chinese dynasties affect life throughout East Asia? How did the Qin dynasty unify China? What were the major achievements of the Qin dynasty?

Qin Dynasty The Warring States period marked a time in China when several states battled each other for power. One state, the Qin (chin), built a strong army that defeated the armies of the rivaling states. Eventually, the Qin Dynasty united the country under one government.

Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi In 221 BCE, the Qin king Ying Zheng succeeded in unifying China. He gave himself the title Shi Huangdi, which means “first emperor.” Shi Huangdi followed Legalist political beliefs. He created a strong government with strict laws and harsh punishment.

Policies Strong government with strict laws. Books which did not follow Legalism views were burned. 460 protestors were buried alive. Newly conquered lands would have city walls destroyed and weapons taken away to prevent revolts. Standard laws – rules and punishments were to be the same in all parts of the empire Standard writing system, money, and weights (to measure food and prevent cheating) throughout China would be the same.

Achievements Unified China. Built network of roads and canals – transport: people, goods, and ideas. Every part of the empire was connected. This allowed the army to move quickly. Built irrigation system to improve farming. Some still used today. Built the great Wall across northern China to protect from nomads from the North.

Lasting Legacy - Qin Shi Huangdi wanted an army to watch over him in death. Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.

The Fall of the Qin Shi Huangdi’s policies unified China. However, his policies also stirred resentment. Many peasants, scholars, and nobles hated his harsh ways. After Qin’s death in 210 BCE, the government began to fall apart. Rebel forces formed across the country. Each claimed to have received the Mandate of Heaven to replace the emperor. The capital city was captured and burned to the ground. Qin authority disappeared, the country fell into civil war.

How did the Chinese dynasties affect life throughout East Asia? How did the Qin dynasty unify China? What were the major achievements of the Qin dynasty?

What Do You think? 1. What were Qin Shi Huang Di’s biggest accomplishments in China? 2. What were his biggest failures? 3. What steps did Qin Shi Huang Di take to unify China? 4. Was Qin Shi Huang Di a fair ruler? Why or why not?