Qin Dynasty was the first unified, multi-national and power-centralized state in the Chinese history. It lasted from 221 BC to 206 BC. Although surviving only 15 years, the dynasty held an important role in Chinese history and it exerted great influence on the following dynasties. Only two emperors, Yingzheng - Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in the Chinese history, and Emperor Hu Hai ever ruled the state, which was finally overthrown by the people´s uprising.
During the late Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC), the state of Qin was in its full development. When Emperor Yingzheng was in his reign, he defeated the other six states (Han, Zhao, Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi), from 230 BC to 221 BC. So ending the chaos caused by wars among vassals that had lasted over 500 years. He established a unified and centralized country and declared Xianyang, in Shaanxi Province, the capital city of the Qin.
The Qin made many changes in their efforts to unify China and aid in administrative tasks. First, the Qin implemented a legalist form of government under which the former Qin territory was governed. The area was divided into 36 commanderies which were then subdivided into counties. The commanderies had a civil governor, a military commander and an imperial inspector who had to report to the Emperor in writing. The legalist form of government involved rewards and punishments to maintain order. Also, the state had absolute control over its people and the former nobility lost all of its power. The nobility was also transferred from their homes to the capital. Groups of five to 10 family units were formed which were held responsible for the wrongdoings of any individual within the group.
The achievements of the Qin are numerous. They standardized the language and writing of China, which had varied greatly from area to area during the Warring States Period. This was done partially out of the need for a consistent way to communicate across the country; administrators also had to be able to read the writing of the commandery to which they were sent. Also, currency became standardized as a circular copper coin with a square hole in the middle. Measurements and axle lengths were also made uniform because cartwheels made ruts in the road and the ruts had to be the same width, otherwise carts with a different axle length could not travel on them. Many public works projects were also undertaken. The Great Wall was built in the north, to protect against invaders and roads and irrigation canals were also built throughout the country. Also, a huge palace was built for the Qin Emperor Shihuang for which the dynasty is famous: an extensive terra cotta army was found at the emperor´s burial site. The army consisted of 6,000 clay soldiers protecting the tomb a possible substitute for the living people who were previously buried with the rulers.
map of Qin Dynasty
