china prior to the qin dynasty
Prior to the Chinese Empire, the states of China were
multiple separate principalities (Watkins, 2010). The seven states existed in constant
warfare and fought against each other, and within their own state (Watkins, 2010). For centuries, none
of the states were able to overpower the others (The Saylor Foundation, 2012). There had been
previous attempts to unite the warring states, but all attempts were
unsuccessful (Watkins, 2010). The political system at the time was
essentially feudalism, with hierarchical subdivisions (Watkins, 2010). China desperately needed a form of
unification, but simply conquering the other states would not unify them – a
system of government that would be able to maintain control was necessary (Watkins, 2010).
The rise of the state of Qin began in the 4th century BCE, when Legalist reforms were made by political leader and prime minister of Qin, Lord Shang (Ouellette, 2010). Through his position of advisor to Duke Xiao, Lord Shang implemented laws to use the resources of the state more effectively and to focus on warfare and the production of agriculture (de Bary, 1999). He also created laws stipulating the punishments for unfavourable behaviour and rewards for favourable behaviour (de Bary, 1999). Various other Legalist ministers contributed to the strengthening of the Qin until it was powerful enough to defeat the other states (Watkins, 2010). In 246 BCE, King Zhao Zheng was ascended to the throne of Qin (Ouellette, 2010). At this time, the Qin were the most powerful state, and by now had already started overcoming other states (The Saylor Foundation, 2012). The Qin had a strong military, as it was valued highly by the Legalists, and this enabled the Qin to conquer the other states to begin the Chinese Empire (Watkins, 2010). The Qin were known for ruthlessness and for disregarding protocol to win battles at all costs, and this added to their advantage in defeating the other states (The Saylor Foundation, 2012). By 221 BCE, under the rule of King Zhao Zheng and his advisor Li Si, all of the other states were overpowered and became ruled by the Qin (Ouellette, 2010). When the Qin was established as the rulers of China, King Zhao Zheng took on the new name of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China (Ouellette, 2010).
The rise of the state of Qin began in the 4th century BCE, when Legalist reforms were made by political leader and prime minister of Qin, Lord Shang (Ouellette, 2010). Through his position of advisor to Duke Xiao, Lord Shang implemented laws to use the resources of the state more effectively and to focus on warfare and the production of agriculture (de Bary, 1999). He also created laws stipulating the punishments for unfavourable behaviour and rewards for favourable behaviour (de Bary, 1999). Various other Legalist ministers contributed to the strengthening of the Qin until it was powerful enough to defeat the other states (Watkins, 2010). In 246 BCE, King Zhao Zheng was ascended to the throne of Qin (Ouellette, 2010). At this time, the Qin were the most powerful state, and by now had already started overcoming other states (The Saylor Foundation, 2012). The Qin had a strong military, as it was valued highly by the Legalists, and this enabled the Qin to conquer the other states to begin the Chinese Empire (Watkins, 2010). The Qin were known for ruthlessness and for disregarding protocol to win battles at all costs, and this added to their advantage in defeating the other states (The Saylor Foundation, 2012). By 221 BCE, under the rule of King Zhao Zheng and his advisor Li Si, all of the other states were overpowered and became ruled by the Qin (Ouellette, 2010). When the Qin was established as the rulers of China, King Zhao Zheng took on the new name of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China (Ouellette, 2010).