The Qin Dynastic State
Reading Assignment: The Qin Revolution, pp. 8-27
The reading on post-Conquest Qin is more comprehensive than most, and I won't repeat its basic elements here. Note that as in course Unit 1, there are once again study questions and key term lists at the close of each reading, which you should use to organize your reading before you begin it.
The outline for class will largely
follow the reading. Bear in mind that as we study the form of the Qin Dynasty -
the shortest lived of all dynastic houses ruling over a unified Chinese state,
we are studying the invention of the blue print for all future Chinese
dynasties and states.
Post-Conquest Qin
Abrogation of feudalism
Centralization of power -- the Emperor
Unification
Domestic
Standardization
Identification of National Projects
National projects
Expansion -- the Xiong-nu
Construction -- the Great Wall; road system
Laws
Mutual responsibility
Absolute nature of punishments -- ruthlessness
Intellectual totalitarianism
Burning the books & burying the scholars
