Focus – What if… You were given complete control of the classroom. What rules would you change? Enforce? Would you manage the class room benevolently? Or would you rule authoritatively? How will you maintain control in the room?

Qin Dynasty Began in 221 BC Founded by Qin Shi Huangdi Conquered and unified China Governed with Legalist policies Harshly punished the disobedient Rewarded the obedient

Shi Huangdi Shi Huangdi means “First Emperor” Established an autocracy Government where the ruler has unlimited power and uses it arbitrarily. The ruler makes all laws and decisions.

Shi Huangdi Solidifies His Power Shi Huangdi silenced criticism by: Murdering Confucian scholars Burning books that disagreed with Legalism Commanded all noble families to live at the capital city. Carved China into 36 administrative districts. Appointed Qin officials to govern them.

Legalism Confucianism went against Shi Huangdi’s belief in Legalism Belief that humans were inherently evil; required tight state control over everything = Legalism Government uses law to end civil disorder and restore harmony

How legalists maintain order: Rich rewards for those who carry out their duties Harsh punishment for disobedient Control actions of people Control circulation of ideas Burn any writings that may cause the people to think critically about the government

Increasing China’s Size Shi Huangdi attacked China’s neighbors to the North and South. Conquered neighboring territories Doubled China’s size

Great Wall 4,000 miles Built to protect against nomads from the Gobi desert Extreme working conditions made Qin unpopular Current wall was built further south during the Ming dynasty

Improvements Built a highway network Helped centralize China Efficient communication and administration of all areas of the empire Trade increased Led to the rise of a merchant class

Improvements (continued) Set uniform standards for: Chinese writing Weights and measures Currency Law Irrigation projects increased farm production

Religion of the Qin Strong belief in ancestor worship Concerned with honor and respect Dead influence the world of the living Has carried over to the present day

Ancestor Worship - Mulan

Terra Cotta Warriors Shi Huangdi’s tomb planned when he came to power Believed spirit should be treated as if living The terracotta warriors represent real army Underground project recreates empire and court 8,000 warriors and artifacts took 11 years to build

Downfall of the Qin The Qin Dynasty was unpopular among the Chinese. Totalitarian, repressive government Severe laws & harsh punishments were meant to keep “order” Harsh taxes Shi Huangdi died ; son was not strong enough Han rulers took over

Legacy of the Qin Han rulers maintained many Qin accomplishments Bureaucracy and government districts Writing system Weights and measures Currency

Processing – RAFT Writing Role Audience Format Topic Artisan Peasants Training Manual “So, you’ve been hired to make a bunch of terracotta warriors” Confucian Scholar Newspaper Reader Editorial “Why burn our books?” Shi Huangdi Chinese children Illustrated Children’s Book “Why Legalism works” Trader/Merchant Letter “Come on, you have to have some disposable income (I mean I do) and my products are so great!”