Qin Shi Huangdi AT2 Prep MHS Year 7

Qin Shi Huangdi

First Emperor of China who unified the Warring States into one empire

Warring States Period

A time of division and conflict in China before Qin Shi Huangdi unified it

Unification of China

Qin Shi Huangdi brought all rival states under one central government

Title "Huangdi"

Qin Shi created the new title of Emperor, showing his absolute power

Legalism

Harsh philosophy Qin Shi Huangdi used to control people with strict laws and punishments

Standardisation

Qin Shi Huangdi made currency, weights, writing, and laws the same across China

Great Wall

Defensive wall ordered by Qin Shi Huangdi to protect China from northern nomads

Terracotta Army

Thousands of clay soldiers built to guard Qin Shi Huangdi in the afterlife

Book Burnings

Qin Shi Huangdi destroyed writings that challenged his rule or promoted other ideas

Persecution of Scholars

Scholars who opposed Qin’s rule were executed or punished harshly

Harsh Rule

Heavy taxes and forced labour caused suffering for ordinary people under Qin

Search for Immortality

Qin Shi Huangdi wasted resources looking for an "elixir of immortality"

Collapse of Qin Dynasty

Qin’s empire quickly disintegrated after his death because of harsh rule

Positive Legacy

Created a strong foundation for later dynasties and unified Chinese identity

Negative Legacy

Remembered as cruel and ruthless, with achievements built on suffering

Historical Significance

Qin Shi Huangdi was both a visionary unifier and a controversial ruler