The Qin empire (221–207 bce)

Question 1

The Qin state

Answer 1

• when the Zhou royal house was reestablished at the eastern capital in 770 bce, the Qin ruling house was entrusted with the mission of maintaining order in the previous capital
• Qin did not appear as a significant power until the time of Mugong (reigned 659–621 bce), who made Qin the main power in the western part of China
• only major power that did not suffer battle within its own territory
• did not have the burden of a long-established feudal system, which allowed it more freedom to develop its own pattern of government

Question 2

Struggle for power

Answer 2

• Until the 5th century bce, China was dominated by the central-plain power Wei, a successor to Jin, and by the eastern power Qi, a wealthy state with a new ruling house. Qin remained a secondary power until after the great reforms of Xiaogong (361–338 bce) and Shang Yang (Wei Yang).
• Shang Yang most influential reform was that of standardizing local administration
• Shang Yang encouraged production, especially in agriculture.

Question 3

The empire

Answer 3

• When Qin succeeded in unifying China in 221 bce, its king claimed the title of “First Sovereign Emperor,” Shihuangdi.
• abolished the feudal system completely and extended the administration system of prefectures and counties, with officials appointed by the central government sent into all of China. Circuit inspectors were dispatched to oversee the local magistrates. China was divided into some 40 prefectures
• His death led to the fall of his dynasty. The legitimate heir was compelled to commit suicide when his younger brother usurped the throne.
• Ershidi, the second emperor, reigned only four years. Rebellion broke out in the Yangtze River area when a small group of conscripts led by a peasant killed their escort officers and claimed sovereignty for the former state of Chu.
• The second emperor was killed by a powerful eunuch minister, and in 206 bce a rebel leader accepted the surrender of the last Qin prince.