Qin Shi Huang

Definition

Qin Shi Huang, also known as Qin Shi Huangdi, was the first emperor of a unified China, reigning from 221 to 210 BCE. He is best known for centralizing the Chinese state, standardizing various systems, and commissioning monumental projects like the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall. His rule set the foundation for imperial China and influenced art, architecture, and governance in the centuries that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Qin Shi Huang was born as Ying Zheng in 259 BCE and became king of the Qin state at a young age before unifying China and adopting the title 'emperor'.
2. He implemented sweeping reforms across China, including standardizing weights and measures, currency, and even writing scripts to facilitate communication and trade.
3. The construction of the Terracotta Army began around 210 BCE and included thousands of figures that represented soldiers, horses, and chariots, reflecting his desire for protection in the afterlife.
4. Qin Shi Huang's regime was marked by significant autocracy; he centralized power and suppressed dissent through book burnings and the execution of scholars who opposed his rule.
5. His death in 210 BCE led to a power struggle that resulted in the downfall of the Qin Dynasty just four years later, illustrating the challenges of his oppressive methods.

Review Questions

• How did Qin Shi Huang’s policies reflect the principles of Legalism in governing his empire?
  • Qin Shi Huang’s governance was heavily influenced by Legalism, which emphasized strict laws and centralized control. He implemented harsh punishments for those who disobeyed regulations while promoting a uniform set of laws across his newly unified empire. This approach aimed to ensure order and stability but also led to significant suppression of dissenting voices, exemplified by his infamous book burnings and persecution of scholars who challenged his authority.
• Discuss how Qin Shi Huang's construction projects like the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall symbolize his vision for immortality and security for his empire.
  • The Terracotta Army and the Great Wall reflect Qin Shi Huang's dual ambitions of achieving immortality and ensuring security for his empire. The Terracotta Army was designed to accompany him in the afterlife, symbolizing his belief in a continuation of power beyond death. In contrast, the Great Wall represented his desire to protect his empire from external threats, demonstrating his commitment to creating a lasting legacy through both artistic expression and monumental defense.
• Evaluate how Qin Shi Huang's reign influenced subsequent dynasties in terms of governance, art, and architecture in China.
  • Qin Shi Huang's reign laid a critical foundation for future Chinese dynasties through his centralization efforts, which established a model for governance that prioritized strong state control. His monumental architectural projects influenced later dynasties' approaches to public works and military fortifications. Additionally, the artistic styles seen in the Terracotta Army set a precedent for funerary art in China, impacting cultural practices related to death and legacy that persisted long after his dynasty fell.

Related terms

Terracotta Army:

A vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers and horses buried with Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife, showcasing the artistic skills of the time.

Legalism: A strict philosophical system that emphasized the need for order through centralized control, laws, and harsh punishments, which significantly influenced Qin Shi Huang's governance.

Great Wall of China: A series of fortifications built to protect against invasions from northern tribes, initiated by Qin Shi Huang to secure his newly unified empire.