Qin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty, which existed from 221 to 206 BCE, marked a pivotal moment in Chinese history, emerging from the chaos of the Warring States Period. Led by the Qin family, the dynasty established a centralized autocracy that adhered to Legalism, a philosophy emphasizing strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order, stemming from the belief in humanity's inherent selfishness. This approach led to the suppression of competing ideologies and significant censorship, including the execution of dissenting scholars and the burning of books. Militarily, the Qin Dynasty is notable for initiating the construction of the Great Wall of China and fostering various technological advancements, such as early compass designs. However, the dynasty’s oppressive governance ultimately contributed to its downfall, paving the way for the Han Dynasty that succeeded it. The Qin Dynasty's legacy is complex, reflecting both its achievements and the harshness of its rule, which has influenced subsequent Chinese thought and governance.
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Qin Dynasty
Related civilization: China.
Also known as: Ch’in Dynasty (Wade-Giles).
Date: 221-206 b.c.e.
Locale: Central China
Qin Dynasty
During the Chinese civil wars (the Warring States Period), people engaged in many heartless and cruel acts in their individual quests for power. When the Qin (chihn) family finally took control, these treacherous acts were not forgotten but instead encouraged Legalism. Legalism, characterized by strict rules enforced by the government, is based on the premise that humans are naturally selfish. Therefore, a system of regulations and consequences is needed so that people do not give in to their natural tendencies and so that order is maintained in society. The Qin did not want to lose power to anarchists and through civil war, so they sought to impose their ways on the people. Fearing that other ideologies would undermine their control, all other philosophies were prohibited—maverick scholars were even buried alive—and censorship was practiced in the form of book burning.
The Qin Dynasty had a strong military focus, and the first Great Wall of China was built during this period. Many technological developments took place during the Qin period, including the compass, which was engineered around the third century b.c.e. using a lodestone balanced on a round bronze plate.
The harsh rule of the Qin Dynasty led to its demise, and Legalism was soon discredited under the subsequent rule of the Han Dynasty (206 b.c.e.-220 c.e.).
Bibliography
Bonavia, David. The Chinese. New York: Penguin, 1983.
Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, ed. Chinese Civilization and Society: A Sourcebook. New York: Free Press, 1981.
Sima Qian. Records of the Grand Historian: Qin Dynasty. Translated by Burton Watson. New York: Columbia University Press, 1993.