The Qin
Where was the Qin kingdom primarily located in China?
Mountainous in NW China
What did the Qin government seek to do around the kingdom?
"sought to standardize things around the kingdom"
Confucius
A Chinese philosopher and teacher (551–479 BCE) who emphasized morality, proper behavior, respect for elders, and social harmony. His ideas became the foundation of Confucianism.
How is Shi Huangdi remembered as a leader?
Shi Huangdi remembered as a cruel leader
How did Shi Huangdi try to control Chinese thought?
Wanted to control Chinese thought by censoring ideas he found dangerous"
Who was the ruler of the Qin kingdom who later called himself Shi Huangdi?
King Zheng (247 BC)" / "Qin ruler named himself Shi Huangdi or 'First Emperor'
What type of language did the Qin government establish?
Single written language (standard characters)
Filial Piety
A key Confucian concept meaning respect and devotion to one’s parents and ancestors. It includes obedience, care, and honoring family traditions.
What did Shi Huangdi believe was necessary to end chaos in China?
Believed strict rules were necessary to end chaos in China
What was banned regarding discussions about government?
Debate about the government was banned
What did Shi Huangdi do to prevent rebellion within his kingdom?
Torn down walls that divided kingdom to prevent rebellion
How did the Qin government make trade more uniform?
Uniform set of weights and measures for use in trade" / "Coins that could be used in trade at agreed upon value
Bureaucracy
A system of government where decisions and administration are carried out by state officials, rather than by elected representatives. In ancient China, this system helped rulers manage large territories.
Which philosophy did Qin rulers favor to create social order?
Qin rulers brought in advisors who favored legalism" / "Followed Han Feizi = people must be forced to do good
What were people not allowed to do about rulers?
Could not praise past rulers or criticize current one
What was a consequence of building the Great Wall and other large projects under the Qin dynasty?
Many died while working on its construction
How did the Qin government organize China politically?
Organized China into 36 provinces. Each with its own counties
Daoism (Taoism)
A Chinese philosophy and religion that teaches living in harmony with the Dao (the Way), which is the natural order of the universe. It emphasizes simplicity, nature, and balance.
What methods did Qin kings use to control the people?
Heavy taxes and required labor service. Making and enforcing strict laws
What did Shi Huangdi do with books that did not support his policies?
Burned all books that did not support his policies"
Why was the Great Wall built along the northern border of the Qin kingdom?
to protect from nomads
What did Shi Huangdi do to monitor the nobles
Shi Huangdi forced thousands of nobels to move to capital to spy on them"
Legalism
A Chinese political philosophy that stresses strict laws, harsh punishments, and strong central authority to maintain order in society. It was especially influential during the Qin dynasty.
What were some penalties for breaking Qin laws
Feet or nose cut off, harsh labor, execution
Why did the Qin dynasty fall?
Qin dynasty falls due to its unbending enforcements" / "Chen Sheng lead rebellion that overthrew Qin armies" / "Shortly after began fighting amongst themselves and China slid into chaos