Qin Dynasty

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Recommended: the rise of the qin dynasty

Within the years of 221-206 BCE, a superpower was born. The Qin Dynasty put in all their blood, sweat, and tears to change China for the best. As a result, Chinese civilization was impacted tremendously in almost every aspect. These landmarks in Chinese history go back to the spreading of Legalism to the birth of the Great Wall. Through these countless contributions, the Qin Dynasty was able to revolutionize the Chinese civilization in such a short period of time.

After unifying the Chinese empire, Qin Shi Huangdi (leader of Qin Dynasty) made several reforms that enhanced Chinese society. Unification of the empire was crucial because it marked the rising of Qin Shi Huangdi and his establishment of 40 prefectures, or states (Perkins OL). Before unifying the empire, China was simply a group of city-states, separated from each other. Soon after unifying the empire, Shi Huangdi set up what could be debated as the most important reform in Chinese history. Standardization of weights, measures, and Chinese writing was a crucial step towards enhancing Chinese society (The World Book Encyclopedia 4). Internal trade was promoted through the standardized weight and measurement system. Introduction of a single coinage would further add to the economic progress (Perkins OL). A network of roads connected provinces together which facilitated travel and trade within the states (Perkins OL). The simplified Chinese alphabet would facilitate communication. This would make writing simpler and readable for everyone. Another major contribution was the promotion of agriculture through irrigation systems, which resulted in a surplus food supply (Perkins OL). With a surplus food supply, people were able to stay healthy and the military strengthened. By ...

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...Reference to China, Its History and Culture. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1998. Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?

ItemID=WE49&iPin=enchina01860&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 20, 2011).

“Qin Dynasty.” The World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago, IL: World Book Inc., 2008.

Upshur, Jiu-Hwa Lo. "Qin dynasty." In Ackermann, Marsha E., Michael Schroeder, Janice J. Terry, Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, and Mark F. Whitters, eds. Encyclopedia of World History: The Ancient World, Prehistoric Eras to 600 CE, vol. 1. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?

ItemID=WE49&iPin=WHI325&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 20, 2011).

Walker, Richard L. Ancient China and Its Influence In Modern Times. New York: Franklin Watts Inc., 1969.

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