Qin+Dynasty

The Qin Dynasty, founded by Shi Huangdi (First Emperor), took over after the Era of the Warring States in the 3rd century CE. Although the Qin rule was short, the dynasty made long-lasting changes on Chinese government. Shi Huangdi ruled his people through the belief system of Legalism, a harsh but effective way of ruling and gave the military ruling power. Huangdi also standarized coinage, weights, and measures and stressed the importance of a centralized bureaucracy. Shi Huangdi created this central authority by making a single law code, creating a national tax, and by appointing governors to rule each domain. The Qin extended the Chinese empire south and protected their northern border with the Great Wall, which extends 3000 miles, but the government had to tax the people heavily in order to pay for this substantial structure. Following the rule of the Qin dynasty came the Han dynasty, the "golden age" of Chinese civilization. http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/picts/firstemperor.gif http://www.destination360.com/asia/china/images/s/china-great-wall-of-china.jpg

Back to Unit 2

Created by Hannah Hollon 9/22/08 Edited by Danielle Fishman 9/23/08 Edited by Frances Grimball 9/24/08 Edited by Jaclyn Speer 9/24/08