The Qin Dynasty

Shi Huangdi and Legalism During the Warring States period (475 – 221 BCE), China was divided between seven states which were at war with each other. In 221 BCE, Shi Huangdi went to war, conquered all the states, and unified them under the Qin Dynasty. He began to rule as the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. During his reign, he supported the philosophy of Legalism.Legalists believe that human beings are inherently selfish, evil and cruel. Legalists believe that in order to achieve peace and happiness in society the government should create strict laws and cruel punishments. Some punishments that Shi Huangdi established include beheadings, whipping, cutting off body parts (amputation), forced labor and burying people alive. Do you think Legalism is a proper philosophy to unify a country? Why or Why not? What are the benefits or disadvantages of Legalism? The 250 years between 475 and 221 BCE is called the Warring States period because China was divided into seven states. These states had frequent wars against each other until 221 BCE when Shi Huangdi conquered them all and forced them to unify into one kingdom. Analyze the map below and use the blue circle to describe the political situation in China in 260 BCE before Shi Huangdi came to power. What was happening in China at that time? Compare the map below to the map above. What impact did Shi Huangdi have on China's political situation? Another legacy of Qin Shi Huangdi is the Great Wall of China. Watch the video and answer the questions that follow. Describe what purpose might the Great Wall of China have served. What does the Great Wall tell us about the relationship between China and its neighbors ? The Terracotta Army:In 1974, an excavation discovered thousands of life-seize clay soldiers, each with unique facial expressions. They were buried in a secret underground tomb to accompany Shi Huangdi in the afterlife. Shi Huangdi was so obsessed with nobody knowing the location of his tomb that his son had all the workers buried alive. What does the Terracotta Army tell you about Shi Huangdi and the culture of the Qin Dynasty? Review: Matching Activity! Please match the terms with their corresponding definitions. Mandate of Heaven Right to rule from the gods Qin Shi Huangdi First Emperor of China Terracotta Army Clay soldiers buried with Qin Shi Huangdi Great Wall Defense against Northern invasions. Sorting Activity: For the next activity I want you to read through eight statements and sort them in the appropriate category - should they be considered successes of Qin Shi Huangdi or failures? Success Unified China Declared "First Emperor" Improved roads and irrigation Standardized writing, currency, weights, and measurements. Failure Burned books Forced people to work on Great Wall Executed scholars Qin fell quickly after his death Standardization:After declaring himself the First Emperor of a unified China, Shi Huangdi started to transform the country. He standardized the Chinese writing and currency systems, built a vast network of roads and canals and aimed to have complete control over his lands and people. (To standardize means to make the same for everyone. ) Analyze the text and four images above in order to be able to answer the question below: Of the four achievements that you see in the images, which one do you think was the most important? How would that particular achievement impact China? Please explain in minimum three sentences. The rule of Shi Huangdi, legalism, and the tomb of terra cotta soldiers are most closely associated with the Mauryan Empire Gupta Dynasty Qin Dynasty Roman Empire How did Qin Shi Huangdi unite and control China? He standardized writing, money, and laws and ruled as a Legalist He shared his power with the nobles He practiced Confucianism He was a pacifist What do you think was the effect of China using the same currency (coins) and writing? there were fewer gold coins communication and trade became easier China won the war against nomads There was less trade Read the text below and insert the key terms in the appropriate blank space. China is located in the continent of Asia. From 247 - 221 BCE, local states fought each other during the time known as the Warring States Period. The ruler of the state of Qin took over the neighboring states. He took the name Shi Huangdi and declared himself the First Emperor. He adopted legalism as his primary ruling philosophy. He believed in strict laws and cruel punishments. Anyone who opposed him was severely punished and at times killed. In order to protect China from northern invasions Shi Huangdi ordered the construction of the Great Wall. In order to protect himself in the afterlife, he forced workers to build the terracotta army. Qin Shi Huangdi aimed to unify China by standardizing laws, currency, characters, weights, and measurements.