Top Ten List: The Chin Dynasty

1. United China-all of the Chinese states were brought together to form China's first empire during the Chin dynasty.

2. Emperor Shi Huangdi- the first emperor of China; he unified the states and centralized the control.

3. Standardization- Emperor Shi Huangdi standardized an abundance of things, including weights, measures, law, and coinage (money).

4. Legalism- The Chin dynasty’s success was mainly because of the legalist “iron fist” that they used to lead the empire. Shi Huangdi implemented the harsh legalist system. Intellect was discouraged. To do this they burnt books and put an end to Confucianism by persecuting Confucian scholars and leaders.

5. Centralized control- approximately 100,000 rulers were forced to move to the city so the emperor could have control over them and be the ultimate authority.

6. Great Wall and Terra cotta Army- construction of the wall began under Shi Huangdi. The purpose of the wall was to keep enemies out of Chinese territory. Shi also commissioned at least 6000 life size soldiers built to protect him in the after life. That’s right… built… out of Terracotta.

7. Military expansion- Military – They used their military to grow and protect their land and to create a better defense against invaders.

8. Tax collection-provided revenues for the growing empire.

9. Conscription-provided ample men for the strengthening of the military.

10. Revolts led by laborers-eventually led to the collapse of the empire in 207 BC; followed by the Han Dynasty in 202 BC.

Quotes

•        "The great importance of the dynasty lay in its unification of China and the establishment of central administrative rule."

•        "The Qin unification was significant because it was a truly unprecedented and therefore historic act."

•        "The Qin is also important for the administrative reforms and huge public works projects it undertook which resulted in a centralized state bureaucracy and development of communications, transportation and commerce throughout the country."

•        All above from <http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/china/trad/sld _qin.htm#The%20Qin%20Dynasty>.

• “The reason why China suffers bitterly from endless wars is because of the existence of feudal lords and kings.” – Qin Shi Huangdi

• “I am Emperor, my descendants will be numerous. From the second generation to the ten thousandth, my line will not end.” – Qin Shi Huangdi

• “Over 45 minutes with Google have proved to me that only three sentences were ever said in the Chin dynasty… and I have written them all…” – Colton Robertson

3 Ways the Chin Affected Later Development

The Chin Dynasty unified China and helped to create a state that would become the one of the most powerful in the world in the future. Shi Huangdi' s standardization helped to set precedents for the further organization of Chinese society. The centralization of the administration created the position of emperor and brought all of the leaders to one location, where there actions could be monitored. By centralizing the government, Shi Huangdi created a platform from which the new administrators could begin their mission of making the system better and developing more successful methods.

Aubree Dinning 12/5/06