The First Emperor Of China:Qin Shi Huang

The first emperor of China was Qin Shi Huang, whose life and contributions had a profound impact on Chinese history. The following is a detailed introduction to Qin Shi Huang:

I. Biography
Qin Shi Huang (259 BC – 210 BC), surnamed Ying, clan Zhao (some say Qin), named Zheng (some say Zheng), also known as Zulong, Lv Zheng and other nicknames. He was an outstanding politician, strategist, and reformer in ancient China, the founder of the Qin Dynasty, the first autocratic centralized state in Chinese history, and the first monarch in China to be called emperor. Qin Shi Huang was born in Handan, the capital of Zhao State, and was the son of King Zhuangxiang of Qin and Zhao Ji. Because his father was a hostage in Zhao State, he was born and raised in Zhao State. After King Zhuangxiang of Qin became the crown prince of Qin State, Qin Shi Huang was sent back to Qin State and inherited the throne at the age of 13.

II. Political achievements

1. Destroyed the six kingdoms and unified the world
   From 230 BC to 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang successively destroyed the six kingdoms of Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi, and completed the great cause of unifying China. This feat ended the situation of warring states that had lasted for more than 500 years since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and established the first unified dynasty in Chinese history, the Qin Dynasty. This achievement not only laid the foundation for the formation of a unified multi-ethnic country in later generations, but also greatly promoted the exchange and integration among ethnic groups.
2. Establishment of the Emperor System
   In 221 BC, after completing the great cause of unification, Qin Shihuang believed that his achievements were “virtuous as the Three Sovereigns and meritorious as the Five Emperors”, so he adopted the “Emperor” of the Three Sovereigns and the “Emperor” of the Five Emperors to form the title of “Emperor”, and called himself the First Emperor. This initiative marked the formal establishment of China’s monarchical autocracy, and was also used by emperors of later generations.
3. Centralization and local management
   Qin Shihuang created a complete bureaucratic system at the central level, implemented the system of three officials and nine ministers, and officials such as the prime minister, the general, and the imperial censor assisted the emperor in handling state affairs. At the local level, he abolished the feudal system and replaced it with the county system, with officials directly appointed by the central government to govern the local areas. This system greatly strengthened the central government’s control over local areas and laid the foundation for the development of the centralized system in later generations.

III. Economic and cultural contributions

1. Unification of weights and measures and currency
   After Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms, in order to promote economic exchanges and development, he ordered the unification of weights and measures and currency. This move eliminated obstacles in transactions between various places and promoted commodity circulation and economic development. At the same time, he also built the Chidao (ancient highway) to strengthen the connection and communication between various places.
2. The same writing and the same track
   In order to strengthen cultural unity and administrative efficiency, Qin Shihuang implemented the policy of the same writing and the same track. He stipulated that the small seal script should be the official writing, and unified the production standards of vehicles and road specifications. These measures not only promoted the exchange and dissemination of culture, but also improved the efficiency and convenience of administrative management.

IV. Military and diplomatic achievements

1. Strike the Xiongnu in the north and conquer the Baiyue in the south
   After unifying the six kingdoms, Qin Shihuang did not stop the pace of external expansion. He sent generals such as Meng Tian to the north to attack the Xiongnu, recovered the Hetao area and built the Great Wall to defend against the invasion of nomadic peoples in the north. At the same time, he also sent generals such as Ren Xiong and Zhao Tuo to the south to conquer the Baiyue area, incorporated the Lingnan area into the territory of the Qin Dynasty and set up three counties, Nanhai, Guilin and Xiangjun, for management. These measures not only expanded the territory of the Qin Dynasty, but also strengthened the central government’s control over the border areas.
2. Construction of Lingqu and communication of water systems
   In order to strengthen the connection with the Lingnan area and facilitate the transportation of materials and the mobilization of troops, Qin Shihuang ordered the construction of Lingqu. Lingqu connects the two major water systems of Xiangjiang and Lijiang, allowing ships in the Central Plains to reach Lingnan directly by water. This project not only solved the problem of military needs at the time, but also had a far-reaching impact on the transportation and economic development of later generations.

V. Historical evaluation
As the first emperor in Chinese history and the founder of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shihuang’s achievements and contributions are indelible. He ended the separatist situation since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period and achieved the first great unification in Chinese history; he established a series of far-reaching political systems and cultural policies, laying the foundation for the formation and development of a unified multi-ethnic country in later generations; he expanded outward and strengthened control over border areas, expanded China’s territory and promoted ethnic exchanges and integration. However, during his reign, Qin Shihuang also implemented extreme policies such as harsh laws and burning books and burying scholars, which aroused controversy and criticism in later generations. Despite this, we should still look at Qin Shihuang’s historical status and contributions objectively and give him due evaluation.