Overview
This lecture covers the rise of centralized states in the Mediterranean and East Asia, focusing on the Qin Dynasty's impact on Chinese political, social, and cultural systems.
Parallel Developments in East Asia and the Mediterranean
- Both the Mediterranean Basin and East Asia saw increased population, urbanization, and economic growth in the late 1st millennium BCE.
- Single dominant states emerged: Qin in China and Rome in the Mediterranean.
- These developments marked the start of long-lasting centralized governments.
The Rise of the Qin Dynasty
- Qin was initially a minor agrarian kingdom in the upper Wei River Valley in the 4th century BCE.
- Qin emerged victorious from the Warring States Period, uniting much of China under Shi Huangdi.
- The Qin Dynasty lasted for two rulers, succeeded by the Han Dynasty, which lasted nearly 450 years.
Shi Huangdi's Centralized Reforms
- Shi Huangdi organized China into 40 provinces, each led by appointed governors and military commanders.
- Provinces were subdivided into local districts for more effective administration.
- He replaced powerful regional lords with state-appointed officials.
- Young men were conscripted into the army, and peasants were drafted for state projects like roads, canals, palaces, and barriers.
Building the Great Wall and Infrastructure
- Shi Huangdi ordered the extension and connection of earlier earth barriers, creating the earliest version of the Great Wall of China.
- Massive state labor forces built critical infrastructure including roads and canals.
Legalism and Standardization
- Qin government was based on Legalism, which viewed human nature as corrupt and required strict state regulation.
- Laws and punishments were applied equally to all classes; officials were chosen for ability, not birth.
- Standardization was enforced in weights, measures, coinage, and writing systems.
- Unified writing helped communication among officials and merchants despite diverse spoken languages.
Legacy and Controversies of Shi Huangdi
- Shi Huangdi honored artisans and farmers as the backbone of society, promoting equality before the law.
- He punished dissent harshly, encouraged citizen surveillance, burned books, and buried disobedient scholars alive.
- Built a lavish mausoleum near Chang'an with thousands of unique terracotta warriors, showcasing both the emperor's ambition and the labor of ordinary people.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Qin Dynasty — The first dynasty to unify China under a centralized, bureaucratic government (221–206 BCE).
- Shi Huangdi — The "First Illustrious Emperor" and founder of the Qin Dynasty.
- Legalism — A Chinese philosophy advocating strict laws and harsh punishments as necessary for social order.
- Great Wall of China — A series of fortifications built to protect China's northern frontier, first connected under the Qin.
- Warring States Period — A period of intense warfare among rival Chinese states (c. 475–221 BCE).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the characteristics of Legalism and its implementation under the Qin.
- Prepare to discuss the similarities and differences between the Qin and early Roman empires.