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Early World Civilizations
Table of Contents
Unit 6 Overview: Ancient China: Key Dynasties (Shang-Han)
6.1 Shang Dynasty: oracle bones and bronze technology
6.2 Zhou Dynasty and the Mandate of Heaven
6.3 Qin unification and legalism
6.4 Han Dynasty: Confucianism and imperial expansion

The Qin Dynasty unified China in 221 BCE, ending the Warring States period. Led by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, it introduced a centralized government, standardized systems, and ambitious projects like the Great Wall.

Legalism, the official ideology, shaped Qin governance with strict laws and harsh punishments. While the dynasty's reforms laid foundations for future Chinese empires, its oppressive policies ultimately led to its downfall after just 15 years.

Qin Unification and Dynasty

Conquest and Establishment of the Qin Dynasty

  • The Qin state, led by King Zheng (later Emperor Qin Shi Huang), conquered and annexed the other six major states of the Warring States period between 230 and 221 BCE
  • The conquest of the state of Qi in 221 BCE marked the end of the Warring States period and the establishment of the Qin Dynasty, with Qin Shi Huang as its first emperor
  • Qin Shi Huang declared himself the "First Emperor" (Shi Huangdi) and introduced a centralized, bureaucratic government that would serve as a model for future Chinese dynasties (Han, Tang, Ming)
  • The Qin capital was established at Xianyang, near present-day Xi'an, and the empire was divided into 36 commanderies (jun) for administrative purposes

Characteristics of Qin Rule

  • The Qin Dynasty was characterized by its strong, centralized rule, which aimed to maintain order and control over the newly unified empire
  • Standardization of weights, measures, and currency throughout the empire facilitated trade, taxation, and communication
  • The Qin government suppressed dissent through strict laws and severe punishments, reflecting the influence of Legalist philosophy
  • The Qin Dynasty's rule was marked by ambitious projects, such as the construction of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, which showcased the emperor's power and megalomania

Legalism in Qin Governance

Key Principles and Practices of Legalism

  • Legalism is a Chinese political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of strict laws, punishments, and rewards to maintain order and control the population
  • The main principles of Legalism include the supremacy of the state over individual interests, the use of rewards and punishments to shape behavior, and the importance of agriculture and military power for maintaining state control
  • Key Legalist thinkers include Shang Yang, Han Feizi, and Li Si, who served as advisors to Qin rulers and helped shape Qin policies and governance

Legalism's Influence on Qin Governance

  • The Qin Dynasty adopted Legalism as its official ideology, using it to justify the centralization of power, the standardization of laws and practices, and the harsh treatment of those who opposed the state
  • Legalist policies in the Qin Dynasty included:
    1. Abolition of hereditary aristocratic titles
    2. Establishment of a merit-based bureaucracy
    3. Implementation of strict laws with severe punishments for disobedience
  • The Qin government conducted a massive book-burning campaign and executed scholars who opposed Legalist policies, in an effort to suppress dissent and consolidate ideological control
  • The harsh Legalist policies and the First Emperor's megalomaniac projects contributed to the dynasty's downfall and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Qin Reforms and Centralization

Standardization and Infrastructure

  • The Qin Dynasty standardized weights, measures, and currency throughout the empire to facilitate trade and taxation
  • The Qin government imposed a uniform writing system, known as the "small seal script," to improve communication and record-keeping across the empire
  • The Qin built an extensive network of roads and canals to improve transportation and communication, as well as to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies (Straight Road)

Military and Social Control

  • The Qin implemented a system of universal military conscription, requiring all adult males to serve in the army for a fixed period, which helped to maintain a strong military and suppress internal dissent
  • The Qin Dynasty banned private ownership of weapons and ordered the confiscation and melting down of weapons to prevent rebellions and strengthen state control
  • The Qin government conducted a massive book-burning campaign and executed scholars who opposed Legalist policies, in an effort to suppress dissent and consolidate ideological control (burning of Confucian texts)

Qin Legacy and Impact

Lasting Influence on Chinese History

  • Although the Qin Dynasty was short-lived (221-206 BCE), it had a profound impact on Chinese history and set the stage for the development of a unified Chinese empire
  • The centralized bureaucratic system and standardization policies introduced by the Qin served as a model for future dynasties, such as the Han, Tang, and Ming
  • The Qin Dynasty's legacy is controversial, with some praising its role in unifying China and establishing a strong central government, while others criticize its brutality and suppression of dissent

Lessons from the Qin Dynasty's Fall

  • The Qin Dynasty's harsh Legalist policies and the First Emperor's megalomaniac projects, such as the construction of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, contributed to the dynasty's downfall and the rise of the Han Dynasty
  • The fall of the Qin Dynasty demonstrated the limitations of extreme Legalist policies and the importance of balancing central control with the well-being of the population, a lesson that influenced the policies of subsequent dynasties
  • The short duration of the Qin Dynasty highlights the challenges of maintaining a unified empire through force and coercion alone, without addressing the needs and concerns of the people

Key Terms to Review (18)

First Emperor: The term 'First Emperor' refers to Qin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin Dynasty and the first ruler to unify China under a centralized imperial government in 221 BCE. His reign marked significant changes, including the establishment of a strong legalist state, standardization of various systems, and major infrastructure projects, which set a precedent for future Chinese dynasties.
Harsh punishments: Harsh punishments refer to severe penalties imposed on individuals for breaking laws, often characterized by physical punishment, forced labor, or execution. This practice is closely tied to the philosophy of legalism, which emphasizes strict adherence to laws and the idea that fear can maintain social order. Under the Qin dynasty, these punishments were intended to deter crime and reinforce the authority of the state, reflecting a broader approach to governance that prioritized order over individual rights.
Bureaucratic Governance: Bureaucratic governance refers to a system of administration characterized by hierarchical organization, formal rules, and impersonal relationships to manage the activities of a state. This structure is essential for implementing policies and maintaining order, especially in large and complex societies. In the context of certain historical periods, it allowed for greater efficiency and control over the population, often employing standardized procedures to enforce laws and regulations.
Merit-based bureaucracy: Merit-based bureaucracy is a system of administration where government positions are filled based on individual abilities, qualifications, and performance rather than through nepotism or political connections. This approach aims to create an efficient and effective government by ensuring that the most capable individuals hold positions of power and responsibility. In the context of unification and legalism, this structure supports the idea that competent governance is essential for maintaining order and stability in society.
Shang Yang: Shang Yang was a prominent statesman and reformer during the Warring States period of ancient China, best known for his role in implementing Legalist policies in the state of Qin. His reforms focused on centralizing power, strengthening the state's control over society, and promoting agricultural productivity, which laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of China under the Qin Dynasty. Shang Yang's ideas emphasized strict laws, harsh punishments, and rewards for obedience, which were pivotal in transforming Qin into a powerful state.
Universal Military Conscription: Universal military conscription is a policy that requires all eligible citizens of a state to serve in the military for a specified period. This practice was significant in ancient states like Qin, where it helped establish a strong, centralized authority and support the state's legalistic framework by ensuring a steady supply of soldiers for military campaigns and maintaining order.
Burning of the books: The burning of the books refers to a significant event during the Qin dynasty where Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the destruction of numerous philosophical texts and literary works. This act aimed to consolidate power by eliminating dissenting ideas, promoting legalism, and standardizing thought within the newly unified China. It reflects the broader implications of censorship and the lengths to which a government may go to control knowledge and maintain authority.
Small seal script: Small seal script is a form of Chinese calligraphy that evolved during the Qin Dynasty, characterized by its uniform, stylized characters that were used for official inscriptions and documents. This script played a crucial role in the unification of China under the Qin, as it established a standardized written form that enhanced communication and administrative efficiency across the newly formed empire. Its adoption reflects the importance of language and script in promoting legalism and centralized governance during this transformative period.
Li Si: Li Si was a prominent statesman and philosopher in ancient China, known for his role as the chief advisor to Emperor Qin Shi Huang during the Qin Dynasty. He is most recognized for his advocacy of Legalism, a political philosophy that emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments as a means to maintain order and unify the state, particularly during the critical period of Qin unification.
Standardization of Currency: Standardization of currency refers to the process of establishing a uniform monetary system within a state or region, making transactions easier and more efficient by having a consistent medium of exchange. This practice can promote economic stability, facilitate trade, and strengthen governmental control, particularly as seen during significant periods of unification and legal reforms.
Standardization of Weights and Measures: The standardization of weights and measures refers to the process of establishing consistent units for measuring physical quantities, such as length, weight, and volume. This practice was crucial during the Qin Dynasty, as it facilitated trade, communication, and governance across a vast and diverse empire, unifying various regions under a common set of measurements that enhanced administrative control and economic efficiency.
Legalism: Legalism is a political philosophy that emphasizes strict adherence to laws and rules as the primary means of maintaining social order and governance. It views human nature as inherently selfish and believes that strong governmental control, often through harsh punishments, is necessary to achieve stability and harmony in society. This approach became particularly prominent during a significant period of Chinese history when states sought unity and control amidst chaos.
Centralized Government: A centralized government is a political system where the authority and decision-making power are concentrated in a central body or organization, rather than being distributed among local or regional entities. This structure often leads to more uniform policies and laws across a territory, enhancing control and coordination. Centralized governments typically rely on bureaucratic systems to administer and enforce laws, which can result in more efficient governance but may also limit local autonomy.
Qin Dynasty: The Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 206 BCE. It is significant for unifying various warring states into a centralized empire and implementing legalism as the guiding philosophy for governance, which emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order and control over the populace.
Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army is a vast collection of life-sized sculptures representing the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, created to accompany him in the afterlife. This extraordinary burial site, discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, showcases over 8,000 soldiers, along with chariots and horses, reflecting the military power and imperial ambitions of the Qin dynasty during a time of unification and the establishment of legalism as a governing philosophy.
Great Wall: The Great Wall is a series of fortifications built across northern China, primarily to protect against invasions from nomadic tribes. Constructed mainly during the Ming Dynasty, it symbolizes the strength and unity of the Chinese people under the centralized power established by the Qin Dynasty, emphasizing the importance of defense and control during a time of unification and the legalist approach to governance.
Qin Shi Huang: Qin Shi Huang, originally named Ying Zheng, was the first emperor of a unified China, ruling from 221 to 210 BCE. He is renowned for his ambitious projects, including the construction of a vast network of roads, the Great Wall of China, and his implementation of Legalism as the foundation of governance. His reign marked a pivotal moment in Chinese history, establishing a centralized state that influenced future dynasties.
Nobility: Nobility refers to a privileged social class that typically holds hereditary titles and enjoys certain rights and privileges not available to the common population. This elite group often plays significant roles in governance, military leadership, and cultural patronage, influencing political structures and societal norms across various civilizations.