Qin Dynasty

Qin ShiHuang was the prince who had defeated the feudal lord during the period of Warring States. After that, he took over and given himself the title 'Emperor".The feudalism system was changed to a unitary system, referring to China’s imperial unification and established the Qin Dynasty (221-210 BCE).

Implantation of standardisation policies was what Qin did to create a sense of belonging to China and a sense of unity amongst the people then.

In the process of changing the system of government, he removed most of the powers of feudal lords, tore down their forts and took away their lands. Soon, his empire, made up of 36 provinces was each under his direct control. Each province was appointed a military governor who is in charge of an army, a civilian governor who is in charge of everyday matters and an inspector who is in chargeof watching over the two governors. Most importantly, he made all officials report to him directly, so he would know what is happening even if he does not personally sees it.

Despite Qin’s good management, he enforced very strict laws and was merciless. If a person broke a law, his whole family would be executed. Qin ShiHuang also killed scholars who opposes his new laws. People then felt that furious of his cruel acts and overthrew Qin Dynasty as soon as Qin died in 210 BCE.

Han Dynasty

China was then succeeded with the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Although the government system was a mixture of feudal structure and a central bureaucracy, it was known to be a fairer environment as there was appropriate laws and order. 

Han Wudi, the fifth emperor of Han dynasty

Han Wudi ruled for 54 years and is one of the longest ruling rulers of all time in ancient history. He was the most powerful Emperor of the Han Dynasty and he strengthened his own power by putting an end to the power of the nobles.

 Han Wudi began the meritocractic system as he believed that good government depended on “best brains” and not “best blood” . Han also introduced the imperial civil service examination to get best talents to ensure a good government. Han had ensured peace and fairness in his empire. This way, he could also build up a strong and reliable government as people who later became officials are those who passed the examination.The examinations were mainly based on Confucianism.

Shang and Zhou Dynasties

Shang dynasty is the second Chinese dynasty, which is from 1523 - 1027 BCE. It is founded by Tang who overthrew the last ruler of the Xia dynasty and ended when the last Shang king, Shang Zhou, committed suicide and King Wu of Zhou defeated the Shang army in the Battle of Muye.

It was followed by the third Chinese dynasty, Western Zhou dynasty (1027-771 BCE) and Eastern Zhou dynasty (771-221 BCE). It is actually the longest lasting dynasty but actual military and political control of China by the Zhou Dynasty’s ruling family only lasted during the Western Zhou period because the Period of the Warring States took place during the Eastern Zhou period

The Zhou dynasty ended when a prince defeated the other feudal lords as known as shi, who caused the Period of the Warring States, and unified China and established the Qin dynasty.

                                        *INTEResting Fact*

The founder of Shang dynasty

During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, martial arts evolved into a kind of dancing. Usually the dancing movements in martial arts were utilized to train soldiers and increase morale. During the Zhou Dynasty, martial arts dancing was designated as a component of education.