1. Setting the Stage: The Qin
Previous rulers: Zhou Dynasty
Zhou ruled from 1027 BCE to 256 BCE.
“Warring States” period: 475 BCE-221BCE.
Feudal society… the Qin would emerge and unify China.

2. China under the Qin dynasty, 221-207 B.C.E.

3. The First Emperor
Qin Shihuangdi (r BCE) founds new dynasty as “First Emperor”
Dynasty ends in 207, but sets dramatic precedent
Basis of rule: centralized bureaucracy
Massive public works begun
Precursor to Great Wall

4. NEW TECHNIQUES OF IMPERIAL ADMINISTRTION

5. In order to organize their subjects, rulers created “administrative institutions”.
Centralized Government
Abolishes old “feudal states” and divides China into 36 military districts, each ruled by appointed officials.
Use of inspectors (spies) to keep local officials in check.
Shi Huangdi forces all “noble families” to live in the capital in Xianyang.
Nobles land was divided up amongst the peasants who had to pay very high taxes.

6. LEGALISM Shi Huangdi adopts Legalism as his primary ruling philospohy.
Absolute ruler

7. Imperial governments projected “military power” over larger areas.
Example: The Great Wall
Needed to prevent raids from nomads to the North.
What did the “Great Wall” say to outsiders?
Also builds numerous roads and canals to help improve transportation.

8. The Great Wall of China

9. Building of roads, bridges
Promotion of trade and economic integration help promote the success of empires.
Standardized:
Laws
Currencies
Weights and measures
Script
Previously: single language written in distinct scripts
Building of roads, bridges
Government Monopolies: mining, wine making, and salt distribution.
Private commerce heavily taxed.

10. “Labor Systems” were used to for food production, public works projects, and to reward the elites.
Forced labor used for most projects such as the Great Wall and “Terra Cotta” soldiers. Peasants were required to serve months at a time

11. TERRA COTTA SOLDIERS

12. Patriarchal Rule
Family roles similar to those found in other early civilizations.
Emphasis on unity and the power of the husband and father.
Women had clearly defined roles. Generally were subordinate.
Women could and did exercise influence behind the scenes.

13. REASONS FOR THE DECLINE OF THE QIN
Attacks on intellectuals.
Heavy tax burden placed on the peasants to fund military conquests and public projects.
Brutal rule
EXAMPLES: 476 scholars buried alive, book burnings….