The Qin Dynasty, also known as the First Imperial Dynasty of China, was in power between 221 BC and 206 BC. During that time, the first emperor of Imperial China, Shi Huangdi, sought to unify the country, create a strong centralized government, and establish a powerful military base. This period marks the beginning of more than two millennia of imperial rule in China.
Under the reign of the First Emperor, the Qin Dynastic period was marked by the introduction of harsh reforms. Shi Huangdi imposed heavy taxes, built the Great Wall of China, created a strong military, standardized writing and currency, and unified the kingdom of China. His reforms were intended to strengthen the central government and create a strong and unified nation. Additionally, he sought to impose Confucian values upon his people.
The First Emperor also levied stringent laws, punishment and thought control, leading to many uprisings, including the infamous peasant rebellion of 209 BC. The most famous of these laws were the Burning of Books and Burying of Scholars, in which Confucian literature was destroyed. This period is often seen as one of the darkest in Chinese history.
Despite these oppressive measures, the Qin Dynasty was able to unify China and, ultimately, create an imperial system of government that would endure for centuries. Many of the administrative and bureaucratic systems created during this period still remain in use. For example, the imperial examination system, which tested potential officials on their knowledge of Confucian principles, was developed and implemented during the Qin Dynasty. Additionally, the famous Grand Canal was originally constructed under the First Emperor’s command, connecting the Yellow and Yangtze rivers and linking the northern and southern parts of the country.
The Qin Dynastic period was also a time of great technological advancement, with many innovations like the suspension bridge, water clocks, crossbow and iron plow, among others, being developed during this period. It was also the first dynasty to strike coins in the form of a currency. This allowed people to trade and purchase goods, making commerce more efficient.
While the Qin Dynasty was short-lived, its legacy is still evident today. The Great Wall of China remains an iconic symbol of the dynasty, while the unified system of Chinese characters that is still in use today was established during this period. Shi Huangdi’s reign had a great impact on Chinese culture and history, leaving a long-lasting and influential legacy.