The Qin dynasty Flashcards
After the Zhou dynasty fell, there were two hundred years of war and violence among the states. • The Qin were one of the seven warring states in northern China. • The Qin conquered the other states to unify them. • This began the Qin dynasty, which established the first empire of China.
The unification of China
Became king of the Qin state at age 13 • Conquered the remaining states and China in 221 BCE • Established the first Chinese empire • Took the title Shihuangdi, meaning “First Sovereign Emperor”
Zhao Zheng (259–210 BCE)
Slide Zhao Zheng (259–210 BCE) • Became king of the Qin state at age 13 • Conquered the remaining states and China in 221 BCE • Established the first Chinese • Took the title Shihuangdi, meaning “First Sovereign Emperor” The Unification of the Warring States Shihuangdi used many methods to unify China. • He established a strong central government. • He strengthened the. • He had the Qin use horse-drawn chariots during battle. • He used and cruel tactics. Shihuangdi brought an end to many years of war between the states.
unification of the warring states
Shihuangdi maintained order and rule over the large empire by creating a powerful government. • He established an autocracy, which is a form of government with one ruler. • As emperor, Shihuangdi had complete and total power.
The government of the Qin dynasty
The ancient Chinese believed that, when a dynasty declined, it lost both the right to rule and the favor of the gods. • Shihuangdi defeated the feudal states.• This marked the end of the Zhou dynasty. • According to Chinese belief, the Qin dynasty now had the favor of the gods. Shihuangdi claimed the mandate of heaven and the right to rule.
Shihuangdi’s Right to Rule
Study the political map of China from the Warring States period. What label represents the Qin state?
A
B
C
D
A
How did the Qin emperor come to power?
- Shihuangdi allowed the local leaders to keep their power.
- Shihuangdi’s kindness made it easier for him to earn the people’s trust.
- Shihuangdi’s strong and powerful army conquered the other feudal states.
- Shihuangdi conquered neighboring lands with the help of nomadic invaders.
3
How was the political system of the Qin dynasty different from that of the Zhou dynasty?
- The Qin dynasty elected its leaders, while the leaders of the Zhou dynasty inherited their power.
- The Qin dynasty relied on local leaders, while the Zhou dynasty relied on a strong central government.
- The Qin dynasty relied on a central government, while the Zhou dynasty relied on local leaders.
- Both dynasties used a feudal system in which wealthy aristocrats owned land worked by peasants.
3
How did the Qin dynasty silence political opposition? Choose four correct answers.
- They executed scholars who criticized the government.
- They publicly burned history and philosophy books.
- They encouraged people to attend public schools.
- They used harsh punishments only for extreme cases.
- They used an autocratic form of government to oppress people.
- They used harsh punishments for small crimes to make the people obey.
1,2,5,6
According to the philosophy of Legalism, one of the most important functions of government was
Legalism
Legalist philosophy relies on
Harsh punishments
According to the philosophy of Legalism, the government must have a
Strong military
Why did the people rebel against the Qin dynasty?
- A famine killed many people.
- Flooding destroyed many towns.
- The government used cruel policies.
- Many people died of disease.
3
The Great Wall of China symbolized
unity
The Qin dynasty standardized money to make trading and commerce more
fair
