In this Grade 6 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, Chapter 8, students explore how Qin Shihuangdi unified China by centralizing government authority, standardizing currency and writing, and constructing the Great Wall to defend against the Xiongnu nomads. Students then compare the Qin and Han dynasties using a Venn diagram to analyze how each dynasty changed Chinese government and society.
Section 1
Qin Shihuangdi Unifies China
After a long period of war between rival states, the ruler of Qin conquered them all. In 221 B.C.E., he declared himself Qin Shihuangdi, or the "First Qin Emperor," creating a single, unified China for the first time.
To unite his new empire, the emperor standardized many parts of daily life. He forced everyone to use the same writing system and the same type of money. This helped connect people and culture across the vast territory.
Section 2
The Han Test Officials for Government Jobs
After the strict rule of the Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty rose to power in 206 B.C.E. This brought a long period of peace and order to China. Han emperors kept a strong central government but wanted to rule more fairly. They needed smart and loyal people to help run their vast empire.
To find qualified workers, the government turned to Confucian ideas, which prized education and good character. They created a Civil Service System where men had to pass difficult exams based on Confucian teachings to get government jobs.
Section 3
An Explorer's Journey Opens Trade Routes
During the Han Dynasty, China's rulers wanted to expand their influence and find allies to the west. They sent an explorer named Zhang Qian on a mission in 138 B.C.E. to make contact with distant cultures.
Although Zhang Qian faced many dangers, his travels gave China its first detailed knowledge of Central Asia and the powerful Roman Empire. His reports helped establish the network of trade routes that became the Silk Road, connecting the East and West.
Section 4
Han Inventors Develop New Tools
The long period of peace under the Han dynasty allowed for many new ideas and inventions.
Around 105 C.E., the invention of paper gave scholars and government officials a cheap and easy way to keep records and write books.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Qin Shihuangdi Unifies China
After a long period of war between rival states, the ruler of Qin conquered them all. In 221 B.C.E., he declared himself Qin Shihuangdi, or the "First Qin Emperor," creating a single, unified China for the first time.
To unite his new empire, the emperor standardized many parts of daily life. He forced everyone to use the same writing system and the same type of money. This helped connect people and culture across the vast territory.
Section 2
The Han Test Officials for Government Jobs
After the strict rule of the Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty rose to power in 206 B.C.E. This brought a long period of peace and order to China. Han emperors kept a strong central government but wanted to rule more fairly. They needed smart and loyal people to help run their vast empire.
To find qualified workers, the government turned to Confucian ideas, which prized education and good character. They created a Civil Service System where men had to pass difficult exams based on Confucian teachings to get government jobs.
Section 3
An Explorer's Journey Opens Trade Routes
During the Han Dynasty, China's rulers wanted to expand their influence and find allies to the west. They sent an explorer named Zhang Qian on a mission in 138 B.C.E. to make contact with distant cultures.
Although Zhang Qian faced many dangers, his travels gave China its first detailed knowledge of Central Asia and the powerful Roman Empire. His reports helped establish the network of trade routes that became the Silk Road, connecting the East and West.
Section 4
Han Inventors Develop New Tools
The long period of peace under the Han dynasty allowed for many new ideas and inventions.
Around 105 C.E., the invention of paper gave scholars and government officials a cheap and easy way to keep records and write books.