Qin Dynasty

I

Introduction

Qin Dynasty, 221-206 bc, also known as Ch’in, the first true empire in Chinese history. Its title gave rise to the name “China.”

Founded in 221 bc by Qin Shihuangdi (Ch’in Shih-huang-ti), the Qin dynasty was a continuation of a Qin state that had existed in what is now the province of Shaanxi (Shensi) since the 8th century bc. Although it lasted only 15 years, the Qin was the first dynasty to truly unify China. Many of the institutions of later Chinese imperial governments first took shape in this period. These included a strong central government that controlled the provinces through an efficient bureaucracy and the separation of civil and military power.

II

Origins and Rise of the Qin

In the 8th century bc, the Western Zhou (Chou) dynasty ended with the fall of its dynastic capital of Zongzhou (Tsung-chou). In the following years, the capital area was repeatedly invaded and settled by people from numerous small city-states that had sprung up after the Zhou's fall. At one time during the so-called Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn) period (722-481 bc), it is estimated that more than 150 of these small political entities existed in the land once ruled by the Western Zhou. The small state of Qin was one of these, and its population and culture combined elements both of the remaining Zhou, and of the numerous invaders who had swept through the region.

A

The Qin State

Duke Mu (659-621 bc) was the first Qin ruler to play a significant role in the regional politics of the Spring and Autumn period, and under his influence the Qin state gradually began to incorporate neighboring areas. Over the course of the next several generations, the Qin came to control the entire former Western Zhou domain.

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During the Zhanguo (Warring States) period (403-221 bc), the Qin remained strong. In 352 bc the Qin ruler, Duke Wen, hired a renowned scholar named Shang Yang (390?-338 bc) to launch a series of political reforms. In the 14 years from 352 to 338 bc, the state of Qin was thoroughly reorganized. Feudalism was abolished, and land was taken from hereditary landowners and distributed among peasants, who were then taxed by the central government. Villages and settlements were put under county administration. A new code of law was devised and applied to all citizens equally, regardless of rank. Many able-bodied male citizens were conscripted into the military, while foreign laborers were recruited to till unused arable land and thus increase state revenue. These measures helped the Qin become the most effectively organized state in ancient China.

B

Expansion

In 337 bc the Qin state proclaimed that it intended to unify China under its rule. Over the course of the next century, the state of Qin steadily gained power and influence. Served by many capable advisers and strategists, the Qin managed gradually to gain the upper hand in dealing with the six other major states: Zhao (Chao) and Yen in the northeast, Wei and Qi (Ch'i) in the east, and Han and Chu (Ch'u) in the southeast. By the end of the 4th century bc, the Qin had become the most formidable power in China.

Insurmountable on the battlefield, the Qin were equally skilled politically, employing such techniques as bribery, espionage, and assassination to solidify their position. Between 230 and 221 bc, Qin conquered all six states and unified China. The Qin empire encompassed the main part of what is now China, extending north to the Great Wall, south to the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River) delta, west to what is now Gansu province, and east to the Pacific Ocean.

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