The Success of the Qin Dynasty

Essay by georgia16High School, 11th gradeA-, June 2014

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Georgia Parry

The actions of the First Emperor of China and the two following emperors of the Qin dynasty led to the eventual uniting of China. The First Emperor, Shihuangdi, carried out a series of changes and innovations that immensely affected the entire structure of Chinese life and society. Military domination and control over the people had the ability to stabilize the empire's governing. The enforcing of Legalism had a large impact on the people, as they were forcefully controlled, the Qin then having absolute power. Standardization of measures and writings led the Qin to develop a universal understanding between people of the empire. These led the Qin to unite the nation, forever changing China.

The military tactics and control by the Qin Empire on the rest of China were able to be a significant element in the unification of China. The Qin built an empire on the "foundations of reforms that Shang Yang carried out in the years following 359 BC".

The build-up of the Qin military allowed for the defeat of all opponents. After the conquering of the Zhou in 770 BC, the Qin was able to expand its territories, becoming the main power in the west of the nation. When the Warring States period came to an end in 221 BC, the Qin was able to defeat all of its opponents, unifying the empire with their new rule. Once the Qin had established the empire, the First Emperor imposed rule over the state by dividing his new empire into 36 commanderies, each then subdivided into a number of counties. Each commandery was led by a civil governor and a military commander. Each county had a magistrate who was centrally appointed and could be recalled at any time. Government affairs were divided into three; civil matters having to...