Lecture Notes: The Rise and Fall of the Qin Dynasty

Introduction

• China has a history of unification and fragmentation.
• The lecture explores the first unification of China under the Qin Dynasty and its eventual fall.

Chapter 1: Early History

• Yellow River Valley: Origin of Chinese civilization, providing fertile farmland.
• Agriculture: Rice cultivation led to population growth and the development of city-states.
• Ethnicity: Development of Han Chinese ethnicity.
• Shang and Zhou Dynasties: Early dynasties that expanded territory through Sinicization.

Chapter 2: The Fall of the Zhou Dynasty

• Expansion Issues: Difficulties in managing large territory due to primitive roads.
• Local Lords: Granted autonomy for defense, leading to increased power and eventual rebellions.
• Zhou's Decline: Fragmentation into 140 states, leading to their conquest in 249 BCE.

Chapter 3: The Warring States Period

• Constant Wars: Led to development of strong armies through natural selection.
• Feudal System Issues: Decentralized power problematic; need for centralized government recognized.
• Centralization: Stronger states centralized control, leading to better military and economic systems.

Chapter 4: The Iron Age Revolution

• Bronze to Iron: Transition to iron due to its abundance, enabling mass production of weapons and tools.
• Economic Growth: Iron tools revolutionized agriculture, leading to population and economic growth.
• Seven Major States: Chu, Han, Qi, Wei, Yan, Zhou, and Qin emerged as dominant powers.

Chapter 5: The Rise of the Qin

• Legalism: Introduced by Shen Yang in Qin, emphasizing strict laws and centralized power.
• Administrative Reforms: Implemented standardized measurements, writing, and centralized control.
• Military and Economic Growth: Qin expanded territory and developed infrastructure.

Chapter 6: Unification of China

• Ying Cheng (Qin Shi Huang): Became king at 13, unified China by conquering six other states by 221 BCE.
• Title of Emperor: Established the title "Qin Shi Huang" meaning "first sovereign emperor."

Chapter 7: Consolidating Power

• Abolition of Feudalism: Centralized governance by removing nobility's power.
• Standardization: Unified writing, currency, measurements, and tax systems.
• Infrastructure Projects: Built roads, canals, and the Great Wall of China.
• Cultural Control: Book burnings to promote a unified narrative and reduce rebellion.

Chapter 8: Fall of the Qin Dynasty

• Qin Shi Huang's Obsession with Immortality: Led to mercury poisoning and his death.
• Rebellions: Harsh policies led to widespread discontent and revolts.
• Factors in Qin's Fall: Tyranny, forced labor, cultural differences, tax issues, and infighting.
• End of the Dynasty: Qin's rule ended in 207 BCE, leading to the rise of the Han Dynasty.