Legacy/Summary
Summary
Advancements and Achievements:- standardized the language and writing of China
- standardized currency as a copper coin with a square hole in the middle
- standardized measurements and axle length
- unified China
- built network of roads and canals
- built irrigation to improve farming
- built the Great Wall across northern China to protect against invasions
Significant Achievement: Unified China The Qin came to power in 221 B.C. after conquering the warring states. Throughout this dynasty, many changes were made to unify China. A Legalist form of government was implemented to rule the people. The language and writing systems that had varied from area to area during the Warring States period were standardized. This was done to improve communication across the country. Currency, measurements, and axle lengths were also standardized. Many public works projects were performed to improve travel, farming, and security.
- standardized currency as a copper coin with a square hole in the middle
- standardized measurements and axle length
- unified China
- built network of roads and canals
- built irrigation to improve farming
- built the Great Wall across northern China to protect against invasions
Significant Achievement: Unified China The Qin came to power in 221 B.C. after conquering the warring states. Throughout this dynasty, many changes were made to unify China. A Legalist form of government was implemented to rule the people. The language and writing systems that had varied from area to area during the Warring States period were standardized. This was done to improve communication across the country. Currency, measurements, and axle lengths were also standardized. Many public works projects were performed to improve travel, farming, and security.
Fall from power
Three assassination attempts were made on Qin Shihuang's life, leading him to become crazy and obsessed with immortality. He died in 210 BC, while on a trip to the far eastern reaches of his empire in an attempt to procure an elixir of immortality. A chief named Zhou Gao, and the prime minister, LiSi that were on the trip with him, hid the news of his death upon their return until they were able to make the dead emperor's most unwise son, Huhai, who took the name of Qin Er Shi. They believed that they would be able to manipulate him to their own thoughts, and then effectively control the empire. Qin Er Shi was, indeed, unwise and easily tricked. He executed many ministers and imperial princes, continued massive building projects, enlarged the army, increased taxes, and arrested messengers who brought him bad news. Just like the two men wanted. As a result, men from all over China revolted, attacking officials, raising armies, and declaring themselves kings of seized territories, sort of like trying to rebell.
During this time, Li Si and Zhao Gao fell out, and Li Si was executed. Zhao Gao decided to force Qin Er Shi to commit suicide due to Qin Er Shi's failure. Upon this, Ziying, a nephew of Qin Er Shi, ascended the throne, and immediately executed Zhao Gao. Ziying, seeing that increasing unrest was growing among the people and that many local officials had declared themselves kings, attempted to cling to his throne by declaring himself one king among all the others. He managed to stabilize the region a bit , however a popular revolt broke out in 209 BC. When Chu rebelled, they attacked. Ziying was defeated near the Wei River in 207 BC and surrendered shortly after; he was executed by the Chu leader Xiang Yu. The Qin capital was destroyed the next year, and this is considered to be the end of the Qin empire.
During this time, Li Si and Zhao Gao fell out, and Li Si was executed. Zhao Gao decided to force Qin Er Shi to commit suicide due to Qin Er Shi's failure. Upon this, Ziying, a nephew of Qin Er Shi, ascended the throne, and immediately executed Zhao Gao. Ziying, seeing that increasing unrest was growing among the people and that many local officials had declared themselves kings, attempted to cling to his throne by declaring himself one king among all the others. He managed to stabilize the region a bit , however a popular revolt broke out in 209 BC. When Chu rebelled, they attacked. Ziying was defeated near the Wei River in 207 BC and surrendered shortly after; he was executed by the Chu leader Xiang Yu. The Qin capital was destroyed the next year, and this is considered to be the end of the Qin empire.