Documentary: First EMPEROR OF CHINA 221BCE
Questions:
1. What was Shi Huangdi's empire protected by?
2. What does legend tell us about emperor Shi Huangdi?
3. What did Shi Huagdi want most of all?
4. What was Shi Huangi's mausoleum surrounded by?
1. What was Shi Huangdi's empire protected by?
2. What does legend tell us about emperor Shi Huangdi?
3. What did Shi Huagdi want most of all?
4. What was Shi Huangi's mausoleum surrounded by?
Activity:
Using the link provided and your own internet research you are to create a timeline for Qin Shi Huangdi that
includes the following dates: 259 BCE, 246 BCE, 221 BCE, 220 BCE, 215 BCE, 214 BCE, 213 BCE, 212 BCE AND 210 BCE.
Using the link provided and your own internet research you are to create a timeline for Qin Shi Huangdi that
includes the following dates: 259 BCE, 246 BCE, 221 BCE, 220 BCE, 215 BCE, 214 BCE, 213 BCE, 212 BCE AND 210 BCE.
To create your timeline you are to use this online ICT program
Shi Huangdi becomes emperor
Emperor Shi Huangdi of the Qin dynasty ruled Ancient China from 221 until 210 BC. During his brief reign he introduced many reforms that dramatically changed Ancient Chinese society. These changes shaped the way later emperors ruled China and the lives of ordinary people. Modern China would be very different if Shi Huangdi had not become emperor.
One of the most interesting and difficult questions to answer when studying history is why some empires rise and others fall. There are a number of possible reasons why King Zheng of the state of Qin, later to become Emperor Shi Huangdi, was able to conquer the other warring states and establish the Qin dynasty. This was a remarkable feat considering that at the beginning of the Western Zhou period (1122-771 BC) the state of Qin had been one of the smallest, poorest and remotest of all the warring states. Sources 5.3 and 5.4 below are two historians' views about why King Zheng and the state of Qin rose to power.
Upon conquering the other warring states King Zheng established the capital of the Qin empire at Xianyang, not far from modern Xian. He also renamed himself Shi Huangdi. Shi meant 'first' and Huangdi meant 'sovereign emperor'. He included the word 'sovereign' in his title to show that all people recognised him as the supreme ruler of the empire.
Emperor Shi Huangdi of the Qin dynasty ruled Ancient China from 221 until 210 BC. During his brief reign he introduced many reforms that dramatically changed Ancient Chinese society. These changes shaped the way later emperors ruled China and the lives of ordinary people. Modern China would be very different if Shi Huangdi had not become emperor.
One of the most interesting and difficult questions to answer when studying history is why some empires rise and others fall. There are a number of possible reasons why King Zheng of the state of Qin, later to become Emperor Shi Huangdi, was able to conquer the other warring states and establish the Qin dynasty. This was a remarkable feat considering that at the beginning of the Western Zhou period (1122-771 BC) the state of Qin had been one of the smallest, poorest and remotest of all the warring states. Sources 5.3 and 5.4 below are two historians' views about why King Zheng and the state of Qin rose to power.
Upon conquering the other warring states King Zheng established the capital of the Qin empire at Xianyang, not far from modern Xian. He also renamed himself Shi Huangdi. Shi meant 'first' and Huangdi meant 'sovereign emperor'. He included the word 'sovereign' in his title to show that all people recognised him as the supreme ruler of the empire.
Questions: Remembering & understanding
1. How long did Emperor Shi Huangdi rule China?
2. What does Shi Huangdi's name mean?
3. What is the practice of primogeniture?
Understanding & analysing
4. According to Charles O. Hucker in Source 5.3, why was Qin able to conquer the other warring states?
5. Why does J. A. G. Roberts in Source 5.4 disagree with the theory that one reason for the state of Qin's success was the use of iron swords?
1. How long did Emperor Shi Huangdi rule China?
2. What does Shi Huangdi's name mean?
3. What is the practice of primogeniture?
Understanding & analysing
4. According to Charles O. Hucker in Source 5.3, why was Qin able to conquer the other warring states?
5. Why does J. A. G. Roberts in Source 5.4 disagree with the theory that one reason for the state of Qin's success was the use of iron swords?