Download Shihuangdi`s Achievements and Failures The founder of the Qin

Shihuangdi's Achievements and Failures
The founder of the Qin dynasty, Qin Shihuangdi (r. 221-210 BCE), is one of the most discussed
and debated of China's early rulers. Would you call his role in Chinese history more destructive
or creative, and why? Describe and explain the impact of at least two things he ordered and
accomplished that support your argument. Also include at least one thing about his rule that
counters your argument.
Qin Shihuangdi was a ruler with a noble intention of making the constant conflicts in China seize by
unifying the Land under one undisputed rule. That rule of course being the dynasty he funded, the
Qin dynasty. He is attributed for finishing the Great Wall of China to defend the Land from
Northern invaders but it proved not to be very efficient. And arguably it can be said it took to more
lives than it really did protect, just to complete it. So did many of the projects that Qin Shihuangdi
like the mausoleum with the statues of terracotta warriors, large road system and of course the Great
Wall.
His ambition of unifying China was a good one due to the fact that in previous centuries China
was in perpetual conflicts known as the Era of Warring states. This of course did not help in the
development and growth of the people of china so Qin contribution was great. Especially in the
economic reforms he made as well as political. Which helped to govern and create one system of
currency as well as one system of language to rid of the confusion of the many different characters
for the Chinese language that differed from province to province. Making easier for the provinces to
have one standardized means of currency as well as the weight system to use for it.
Now would I say that Shihuangdi was creative in his ideas not so much but I think many things
he did were beneficial in long run In China’s history aiding in the many forms that helped Chinese
culture as well advance as well as flourish as a civilization.
In contrast though I think that for the Generation that lived in his time were more over affected
by his destructive actions in order to fulfill his ambitions. Referring to the one being the burning
book period were he burned many historical books of past reigns and even burning 460 scholars for
owning ‘illegal’ books. Instituting the philosophy of legalism in attempt to end Confucianism
shutting down many schools how taught against his ideologies. These must have been an action that
was not favored very much throughout his kingdom and reason why after his death there so much
unrest and civil turmoil. But with contribution of ending Feudalism was like “a better of two evils”
per say. Yet his ambitions were sometimes obsessive and destructive. One being is fear of death and
being compared to past rulers. And yet another being his name being pronounced tabooed, to point
of punishment. All which must just some of the many things a Tyrant, like many his time, have bad
affects. But seeing it in a broad and long course of time Qin Shihuangdi did contribute in the
positive impact in the History of China which keep the land unified.
Refernces:
Mahdavi, F. (2012). World history: The human experience to 1500. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.
Ren, Changhong. Wu, Jingyu. (2000). Rise and Fall of the Qin Dynasty. Asiapac Books Pte Ltd
Clements, Jonathan (2006). The First Emperor of China. Sutton Publishing.