Key Aspects of the Life of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang
- Early Life: Qin Shi Huang was born in 259 BCE during the turbulent era of the
Warring States. He was born into the royal family of the Qin state, a region known
for its military strength.
- King of Qin: At the age of 13, he became King of the Qin State in 246 BC.
Initially supported by his mother Queen Zhao Ji and chancellor Lü Buwei, he took
full control of his kingdom at the age of 22.
- Conquering China: By 221 BC, he had conquered all the other warring states and
unified all of China.
- Changes He Made to China: He introduced sweeping reforms, built a vast network of
roads, and connected the Great Wall of China. He also standardized the Chinese
writing and currency systems, built a vast network of roads and canals to link the
country, and divided China into states with one centralized government.
- Actions That Were Good for China: His unification of China, standardization of
the written script, weights and measures, and currencies, and establishment of the
system of prefectures and counties were beneficial for China.
- Actions That Were Not Good for China: He brutally suppressed dissent, executed
scholars, and burned books¹¹. His policies led to a strain on the treasury and,
ultimately, the end of the Qin dynasty.
Prep Questions
- Introduction: Qin Shi Huang, born in 259 BCE, was the first Emperor of a unified
China and the founder of the Qin dynasty. His reign from 246 BCE to 210 BCE marked
a significant period in Chinese history, characterized by both rapid cultural and
intellectual advancement and much destruction and oppression.
- Standardizing the Written Language: The standardization of the written language
by Qin Shi Huang played a crucial role in unifying China. It allowed for better
communication and implementation of policies across the vast empire.
- Burning Books: The burning of books by Qin Shi Huang was a controversial act.
While it may have helped to suppress dissent and consolidate his power, it also led
to the loss of many valuable texts and intellectual resources.
- China Without Unification: If Qin Shi Huang had not united China, the country
might have continued to be fragmented into various warring states. This could have
led to ongoing conflict and instability, and the cultural and intellectual
advancements achieved during his reign might not have occurred.
The Interview
- Q1: I wanted to unite China to bring an end to the constant warfare and create a
strong, stable empire. I believe this has brought prosperity and progress to China.
- Q2: Yes, there was opposition, but I dealt with it firmly to maintain stability
and order in the empire.
- Q3: The Great Wall was important for the defense of our empire. It protected us
from invasions and helped maintain peace within our borders.
- Q4: Standardization was necessary to ensure consistency and fairness across the
empire. It facilitated trade, communication, and governance.
- Q5: Roads were built to improve connectivity within the empire. They facilitated
trade, movement of troops, and administrative control.
- Q6: The burning of books was a measure to eliminate dissenting views and unify
thought in the empire.
- Q7: Harsh rule was necessary to maintain order and stability in such a vast
empire.
- Q8: I am most proud of unifying China and establishing a strong and prosperous
empire.
