The Qin dynasty became to power in 221 B.C. They were one of the western states that existed during the Warring States Period. They conquered the other Warring States,unifying China for the first time. Their leader named himself the First Emperor, or Shi Huangdi, they began the tradition of having emperors for rulers. The Qin, while was militarily the strongest. They utilized many new technologies in warfare, especially cavalry. The Qin are sometimes called the Ch'in, which is probably where the name China originated.
Qin’s achievements are numerous. They standardized the language and writing of China. This was done partially out of a need to have a consistent way to communicate across the country; administrators had to be able to read the writing of the commandery to which they were sent. Also, currency became standardized as a circular copper coin with a square hole in the middle. Measurements and axle length were also made uniform. Many public works projects were also undertaken. A Great Wall was built in the north, to protect against invasions. Roads and irrigation canals were built throughout the country. Also, a huge palace was built for Shi Huangdi. The Qin are also famous for the terra cotta army that was found at the burial site for Shi Huangdi. The army consisted of 6,000 pottery soldiers that protected the tomb. They may be a replacement for the actual people who had previously been buried with the rulers.
Shi Huangdi was not a popular leader. The public works and taxes were too great a burden to the population. It seemed that Shi Huangdi could not be satisfied. Also, the nobility disliked him because they were deprived of all their power and transplanted. Finally, he banned all books that advocated forms of government other than the current one. The writings of the great philosophers of the one hundread schools time were burned and more than 400 opponents were executed.
The Qin rule came to an end shortly after the First Emperor's death. Shi Huangdi had only ruled for 37 years, when he died suddenly in 210 B.C. His son took the throne as the Second Emperor, but was quickly overthrown and the Han Dynasty began in 206 B.C.
Qin’s achievements are numerous. They standardized the language and writing of China. This was done partially out of a need to have a consistent way to communicate across the country; administrators had to be able to read the writing of the commandery to which they were sent. Also, currency became standardized as a circular copper coin with a square hole in the middle. Measurements and axle length were also made uniform. Many public works projects were also undertaken. A Great Wall was built in the north, to protect against invasions. Roads and irrigation canals were built throughout the country. Also, a huge palace was built for Shi Huangdi. The Qin are also famous for the terra cotta army that was found at the burial site for Shi Huangdi. The army consisted of 6,000 pottery soldiers that protected the tomb. They may be a replacement for the actual people who had previously been buried with the rulers.
Shi Huangdi was not a popular leader. The public works and taxes were too great a burden to the population. It seemed that Shi Huangdi could not be satisfied. Also, the nobility disliked him because they were deprived of all their power and transplanted. Finally, he banned all books that advocated forms of government other than the current one. The writings of the great philosophers of the one hundread schools time were burned and more than 400 opponents were executed.
The Qin rule came to an end shortly after the First Emperor's death. Shi Huangdi had only ruled for 37 years, when he died suddenly in 210 B.C. His son took the throne as the Second Emperor, but was quickly overthrown and the Han Dynasty began in 206 B.C.
No comments:
Post a Comment