Vihaan Anand, Leader Research Padlet by Vihaan Anand (WR)

Qin Shihuangdi

227848_3 — 2024-05-12 18:29:29 UTC

Time of Rule

227848_3 — 2024-05-12 18:31:05 UTC

Qin Shihuangdi ruled from 221 - 210 B.C.E and was part of the Qin Dynasty. He ruled for about 9 years.

Rate/Grade

227848_3 — 2024-05-12 18:49:46 UTC

I would give Qin Shihuangdi a B-. This is because during the Qin Dynasty when he ruled, China was very successful. He had created the Great Wall to keep China safe from the Mongols and even though it wasn't that useful, it still helped. To do this, he had to create a strong military system to help protect the wall which he did.

A few more achievements of him was that he standardized writing, systems of currency, and weights throughout the city. This helped his empire become more connected by using the same thing for everything. He also ruled by a form of government called Legalism which convinced people to not do any bad actions otherwise they would be severely punished.

Even though he treated many workers harshly and killed many people, I still think that he helped China develop for the later dynasties to continue. Other dynasties like the Han used some of his teachings and actions to help their dynasty grow. Some of these included making China use the same currency and writing. This is why I would give him a B-.

Five Accomplishments

227848_3 — 2024-05-12 18:53:06 UTC

Built the Great Wall of China
Was the leader/emperor of the Qin Dynasty
Helped unite his empire by making them use the same currency
Standardized writing throughout the state
Used the form of government Legalism to rule

Eight Interesting Facts

227848_3 — 2024-05-12 18:53:23 UTC

Qin Shihuangdi ascended to the throne at only 13 years old
In fear of death, Qin Shihuangdi was determined with a quest to find immortality
Only ruled for 15 years (shortest amount of time for an emperor)
Has the biggest grave in the world
According to some studies, it appeared that he was an illegitimate son
Died at the age of only 49 years
His death was unknown, some believe he was poisoned on his quest for immortality
His tomb was surrounded with Terracotta statues which resembled warriors

Power

227848_3 — 2024-05-12 18:53:57 UTC

I would say that Qin Shihunagdi had a lot of power. People had to obey his orders or else they would probably be killed. His empire had about 300,000 soldiers that could kill you at any moment. Take the Great Wall for example, he forced workers to work without any break. The workers did not complain at all because if they did, they would be killed. He had many laws that people were supposed to follow. He also used legalism as his government so that he would always be that king.

Is he Really a Hero?

227848_3 — 2024-05-12 18:54:08 UTC

I would not consider Qin Shihuangdi a hero. Even though he made many technological advancements to China, it costed in many people and workers losing their lives. For example, Qin Shihuangdi built the Great Wall of China and even though it protected China, almost 400,000 people died because of it. That shows how bad he treated them and how they lost their lives for nothing.

227848_3 — 2024-05-13 00:11:13 UTC

Tombstone of Qin Shihuangdi

227848_3 — 2024-05-13 00:13:34 UTC

A statue of Qin Shihuangdi in China

227848_3 — 2024-05-13 00:14:47 UTC

Qin Shihuangdi with his workers

227848_3 — 2024-05-13 00:19:25 UTC

The Terracotta Wariors Qin Shihuangdi built

Bibliography

227848_3 — 2024-05-14 03:11:45 UTC

Works Cited

Gustlin, Deborah, and Zoe Gustlin. “5.5: Qin Dynasty (221 BCE - 206 BCE).” Humanities LibreTexts, 3 June 2020, https://human.libretexts.org/Courses/Solano_Community_College/ART_002%3A_Art_History/05%3A_The_Transition_of_Art_(400_BCE__200_CE)/5.05%3A_Qin_Dynasty_(221_BCE_-_206_BCE). Accessed 17 May 2024.

Müller, Claudius Cornelius. “Qin Shi Huang | Biography, Accomplishments, Family, United China, Tomb, & Facts.” Britannica, 21 March 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Qin-Shi-Huang. Accessed 17 May 2024.

“The Qin Dynasty | World Civilization.” Lumen Learning, https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/the-qin-dynasty/. Accessed 17 May 2024.

Rattini, Kristin Baird. “Qin Shi Huangdi—facts and information.” National Geographic, 3 June 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/qin-shi-huangdi. Accessed 17 May 2024.

“10 Amazing Facts to Help You Understand China's First Emperor.” China Highlights, https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/china-history/first-emperor-facts.htm. Accessed 17 May 2024.