1. China’s First Dynasties
Early China
China’s First Dynasties

2. What’s the Target?
I can identify key figures from classical and post classical China. SS.6.W.4.9
I can identify the characteristics of civilization. SS.6.W.2.3

3. China’s Early Dynasties
Xia to 1600 B.C. Little historical evidence of this dynasty. Silk production begins.
Shang to 1045 B.C. Advanced writing, use of chariots in war.
Zhou to 256 B.C. Advanced iron casting, multiplication tables invented.

4. China Early Dynasties
4. Qin – 221 to 206 B.C. Great Wall joined and strengthened, writing system, money, weights and measures, and cart axle length are standardized.
5. Han – 202 to A.D Paper invented, eclipses predicted, steel manufactured, national library created.

6. Rise of Qin
The ruler of the state of Qin (CHIHN) defeated the other warring states and the Zhou dynasty.
The Qin ruler declared himself Qin Shihuangdi (CHIHN SHEE hwanhg dee) or “The First Emperor of China.”
Qin wanted to strengthen and unify China. He ruled with absolute (total) control and harsh punishments.

7. Qin Accomplishments Created a currency, or type of money.
Built palaces, roads, dams, and a huge canal.
Joined and strengthened the Great Wall against the Xiongnu (SYEHN NOO).
Ordered construction of his own tomb, which included life-sized terra-cotta (clay) soldiers, horses, chariots, and weapons.

8. Qin’s Tomb
The Terra-cotta Warriors: YouTube Video

12. My Bad! Qin’s Negatives
Ruled with absolute power and swift, harsh punishments (Legalism).
Burned books that displeased him, such as the works of Confucius.
Forced workers to work on his many projects, many of whom died trying.
Killed many with his policies.

13. Qin did not believe most people needed to be educated
Qin did not believe most people needed to be educated. He burned books he did not like. Clearly, he was proud of this fact!

14. Just The Facts! Who was Qin Shihuangdi (CHIHN SHEE hwanhng dee)?
What dynasty did he establish and what happened to it after he died?
Why did Qin have the Terra-cotta warriors made?
When did Qin rule?
Where did Qin join the strengthen the Great Wall?
How did Qin rule?

15. Fall of Qin
After the death of Qin Shihuangdi in 210 B.C., aristocrats and farmers revolted against Qin’s son.
By 202 B.C., the Han dynasty came to power in China.

16. Han Rule Dynasty founded by Liu Bang (LYOO BAHNG) in 202 B.C.
The Han ruled China for more than 400 years.
One Emperor, Han Wudi, wanted to end nepotism in China. He hired talented and dedicated people for civil service.

17. Han Accomplishments
Created schools to prepare boys for the civil service
Conquered northern territory, including Korea
Pushed back the Xiongnu
Created a lasting peace (150 years)
Literature and arts flourished.