Transcript In the middle part of the second century b.c.e., China was in chaos

In the middle part of the
second century b.c.e.,
China was in chaos
(craziness). The different
states in China were
fighting each other for
power. This era was
known as the Warring
States Period because
the different states were
at war with each other.
A ambitious prince from
the state of Qin
(pronounced Chin) was
able to conquer the rival
states. He used many
different ways to gain
power. The main way
was by using his strong
army. However, he also
used spying, bribery,
and alliances to gain
and hold on to power.
His name was Prince
Zheng.
The Creation of an Empire
After he defeated the rival
states Prince Zheng became
emperor. He took the name
Qin Shihuangdi, which means
first emperor of Qin. Emperor
Qin Shihuangdi’s strategy of
conquest helped to unify and
increase the size of China. But
such a strategy was harsh and
cruel. It ended up costing
many lives.
When he became emperor,
Emperor Qin Shihuangdi used
legalist programs to maintain
power.
Emperor Qin
Shihuangdi’s
replaced
feudalism with a
government in
which he had
absolute control
over. He did this
so the lords
would NOT gain
too much power.
Feudalism
sucks,
now I’m in
charge,
HA HA HA
!!!!
Standardizing the Culture
Emperor Qin Shihuangdi
standardized (made the
same) money, weights, and
measures. This trade within
China much easier.
He also simplified the
writing system. In some
cases there were almost 20
different ways to write the
same word. He got rid of
several written characters.
This made the Chinese
written system simpler.
Protecting the Northern Border
Emperor Qin
Shihuangdi chose to
protect the northern
border by building the
Great Wall of China.
Smaller kingdoms
had already built
parts of the wall
before he became
emperor. So, he
added to what was
already there.
Protecting the Northern Border.
Such a large project
required many workers.
The citizens of China were
forced to work on the
Great Wall. The work
conditions were very
difficult. They built the wall
over swamps, deserts,
mountains. Many people
lost their lives in the
building of the wall. Some
are even said to be buried
in the wall.
Ending opposition
Conflict arose
between the ideals
of Confucianism and
Legalism. Confucian
scholars believed in
proper behavior and
setting good
examples. Emperor
Qin Shihuangdi
embraced the harsh
philosophy and laws
of legalism.
Ending opposition
To prevent people
from learning about
Confucianism, the
emperor ordered all
Confucian books
burned. Anyone who
discussed Confucian
teachings to criticize
the government were
put to death.
Emperor’s
son
The emperor
even forced his
own son into
exile (forced to stay
away). His son
spoke out
against the killing
of Confucian
scholars. The
emperor then
sent his son
away to oversee
work on the
Great Wall.
Emperor’s
Foot
Junior, got
served
Oh yes he
did !!!!
The Emperor’s death and the end of the
Qin Dynasty
The emperor wanted
to become immortal,
(live forever) he sent
expeditions to find
magic potions to
prolong his life.
However, he died in
210 b.c.e. Some
think he was
poisoned.
The Emperor’s death and the end of the Qin
Dynasty
When Qin
Shihuangdi died a
great tomb was built
for him. A huge
lifesize terra-cota
(CLAY) army was
buried with him.
There were also
tools, weapons, and
jewelry buried with
him to supposedly
assist him in the
afterlife.
The Emperor’s death and the end of the
Qin Dynasty
The Qin dynasty
was overthrown
shortly after the
death of Emperor
Qin Shihuangdi.