Introduction to: Qi Shi Huang LEARNING INTENTION: To understand why Qi Shi Huang is considered a controversial figure PPT by Sarah, Eve, Willa and Aleks 7N (with a few additions) What was China like before Qi Shi Huang became king? Imperial Family (Emperor from 221 BCE) Nobles and Officials (Shi) Farmers (The nong) Artisans and Craftspeople (Gong) Merchants and traders (Shang) Who was Qi Shi Huang? What was China like before he became king? SOCIAL HIERARCHY: Warring States Period This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Zhou dynasty: 1122-256 BCE • People of the Zhou dynasty built a large empire of states • Each state had a ruler (noble) loyal to the king • Nobles ruled over peasants (who farmed land/paid taxes) • Nobles loyay to king – provided soldiers for war • Peasants agreed to fight when needed Warring states from 700 BC • Nobles (kings of each warring state) • Constant civil war • 256 Zhou king lost power to kings of seven warring states: Qin, Han, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Chu, Yan Confucius 551-479 BC Emerged during WARRING STATES period as great teacher • Saddened by fighting, urged people to respect one another and live in peace Code of behaviour rather than religion Ren: Loving others Ø Family, Education, Respect for Elders, Self Discipline Ø GOLDEN RULE: "What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." Bronze statue of Confucius, Nanjing Temple Teachings of Confucius (died 479BCE but teachings were kept alive) Politics: ØGood leaders should treat subjects with compassion and remain humble. ØShould be virtuous and humble Education: Ø"Six Arts": archery, calligraphy, computation, music, chariot-driving and ritual. ØTraditional values, kindness, integrity This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND Who was Qin Shi Huang? Background Ø Born Ying Zheng 259BCE during WARRING STATES period Ø Known as being the first emperor of China. Ø Became king 13 years old Ø When he was 21 he started fighting to control the other six kingdoms Ø Successful at age 38. He decided to change his name from Ying Zheng to Qin Shi Huang. Ø Name means magnificent god of the Qin. Qin Shi Huang: Philosophy • School of 5 elements • LEGALISM: People must follow laws or be punished • Banned the teachings of Confucius. • He ordered books and writing which didn’t support what he believed to be burned and to either murder or enslave any who chose to read them. • Decided that he should tax people heavily and force them to work on projects. • Burned dissidents alive • Ruthless, cruel, meglomaniac? Achievements • Unified the six kingdoms. • Introduced common currency. • Introduced language. • Built many roads and canals connecting the provinces which • Invented laws. Assumed Death We know that he drank substances which he thought would result in eternal life, including mercury, which is poisonous. We do know that he died on a journey during a hot summer in 210BCE. WRITE A PARAGRAPH OR FLIPGRID. WAS QIN SHI HUANG A GOOD LEADER?
