In this Grade 5 World History and Geography lesson, students explore how Qin Shihuangdi unified and expanded China, including his military campaigns, the construction of the Great Wall to defend against the nomadic Xiongnu, and the discovery of the terra-cotta army buried near his tomb. Students also examine the political and economic costs of Qin rule, such as the massive labor forces required for major projects and the adoption of Legalism as official state policy. The lesson builds understanding of how the Qin dynasty shaped China's geography, culture, and governance during the period from 221 B.C. to A.D. 220.
Section 1
Emperor Qin Shihuangdi Unites Ancient China
Qin Shihuangdi conquered China's warring states, created a centralized government with three divisions, and imposed strict Legalist policies. His aggressive rule expanded China's borders but sparked widespread resentment among the people.
Section 2
Terra-Cotta Warriors Guard Emperor's Afterlife
Archaeologists discovered 6,000+ life-sized clay soldiers with individualized features buried near Qin Shihuangdi's tomb. This remarkable artistic creation represented the emperor's imperial guard and consumed nearly one-third of China's national income.
Section 3
China Builds Great Wall to Repel Nomadic Invaders
The Xiongnu nomads threatened China's northern border with skilled horseback riding and archery. Qin Shihuangdi connected existing walls into one massive barrier requiring thousands of laborers, though most of his original wall has disappeared.
Section 4
Censors Monitor Officials Throughout the Empire
Qin established a censorate that reported directly to him, inspecting government officials at provincial and county levels. Those found guilty of wrongdoing faced execution, ensuring tight central control over the vast empire.
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Section 1
Emperor Qin Shihuangdi Unites Ancient China
Qin Shihuangdi conquered China's warring states, created a centralized government with three divisions, and imposed strict Legalist policies. His aggressive rule expanded China's borders but sparked widespread resentment among the people.
Section 2
Terra-Cotta Warriors Guard Emperor's Afterlife
Archaeologists discovered 6,000+ life-sized clay soldiers with individualized features buried near Qin Shihuangdi's tomb. This remarkable artistic creation represented the emperor's imperial guard and consumed nearly one-third of China's national income.
Section 3
China Builds Great Wall to Repel Nomadic Invaders
The Xiongnu nomads threatened China's northern border with skilled horseback riding and archery. Qin Shihuangdi connected existing walls into one massive barrier requiring thousands of laborers, though most of his original wall has disappeared.
Section 4
Censors Monitor Officials Throughout the Empire
Qin established a censorate that reported directly to him, inspecting government officials at provincial and county levels. Those found guilty of wrongdoing faced execution, ensuring tight central control over the vast empire.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter