5/14/19

THE QIN (CH’IN) DYNASTY

Goal: analyze Qin’s method of rule to compare Legalism to Confucianism

 Qin in the Warring States period

o after 250 years of war, the states of China are reduced to three, Qin, Qi, and Chu
o Qin Shi Huangdi unifies China becoming the first real emperor and ending the warring
states period
 Qin Shi Huangdi
o 269-210 BC
o ruthless conqueror
o merciless ruler
o excellent administrator
 standardizes everything
 legalism
o basic premise = people are evil unless forced to do good through fear of punishment
and promise of reward
o everyone is responsible for everyone else’s behavior
o good behavior should be publicly rewarded
o bad behavior should be publicly punished
o punishments must be harsh
 laws = very harsh punishments
 most effective method for governing a society = Confucianism
 Qin’s End
o Qin’s quest for immortality caused him to take poisonous miracle medicines that killed
him
o tens of thousands were worked to death on the great wall, and Qin’s tomb
o his dynasty lasted only 15 years
o resentment over the harsh legal code prompted rebellions shortly after his death
 Qin = Ch’in = China
o the dream of a united China has lasted to this day and was the central goal of all later
dynasties