Topic 5- Strong Rulers Unite China Flashcards
When did the ruler of Qin proclaim himself Shi Huangdi, or “First Emperor”?
221 B.C.
What was Shi Huangdi’s goal?
To end the divisions that had splintered Zhou China. He spent nearly 20 yrs conquering most of the warring states.
How did Shi Huangdi build a strong authoritarian government?
He used rewards for merit and punishments for failure.
Why did Shi Huangdi force noble families to live?
In his capital at Xianyang where he could keep an eye on them.
Why did peasants have to pay high taxes?
To support Shi Huangdi’s armies and building projects.
How did the First Emperor do to promote unity?
- Standardized weights and measures and replaced the diverse coins of the Zhou states with Qin coins.
- He also had scholars create uniformity in Chinese writing.
How did Shi Huangdi centralize power?
With the help of Legalist asdvisers.
What was legalism?
Legalism was based on the teachings of Hanfeisi, who died in 233 B.C.
Who said that “The nature is evil. His goodness is acquired” / Greed was the motive for most actions and the cause of most conflicts?
Hanfeizi
What did Hanfeizi believe about leadership?
The only way to achieve order was to pass strict laws and impose harsh punishments.
According to Legalists, what was a ruler’s greatest virtue?
Strength, not goodness.
Which emperor lowered taxes and eased the Qin emperor’s harsh Legalist policies?
Liu Bang
Emperor Liu Bang’s policies created strong foundations for the Han dynasty, which dates from 206 B.C. until A.D 220. True or false?
True.
Why was Han emperor, Wudi most famous?
He took China to new heights by strengthening the government and economy during his long reign from about 141 B.C. to 87 B.C.
How did Wudi boost economic growth?
- By improving canals and roads.
- He also had granaries set up across the empire so the government could buy grain when it was abundant and sell it at stable prices when it was scarce.
- Reorganized finances and imposed a government monopoly on iron and salt.
What is a monopoly?
The complete control of a product or business by one person or group.
What gave the government a source of income other than taxes on peasants?
The sale of iron and salt.
Which policy did Wudi follow to continue to secure and expand China’s borders?
Expansionism, or expanding a country’s territory.
Why was Wudi nicknamed the “Warrior Emperor”?
Because of his endless campaign to secure and expand China’s borders.
What was the trading routes opened up by emperor Wudi which linked China and the West called?
The Silk Road.
Why was the Silk Road important?
It contributed to the economic prosperity of the Han empire. Important cultural exchanges also took place because ideas as well as goods traveled along the Silk Road.
What were warlords?
Local military rulers.
