MMW 12 Chapter Notes - Chapter 174-182: Sima Qian, Han Dynasty, Nomadic Pastoralism
20 Feb 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Age of empire in china: the qin and han dynasties. In 221 b. c. e after decades of constant warfare, qin succeeded in defeating the last of its rival during the warring states period. Li si the legalist minister adopted sweeping change of centralization crippling the nobility of defunct states, ordering them to leave their land and move to the capital. Private possession of arms was outlawed to make it harder to rebel. First emperor dispatched officials through a long list of regulations, reporting requirements, and penalties for inadequate performance. Officials owed their power to the emperor and had no hereditary rights to the office. Ordered a census of the population to help plan their bureaucratic duties. Estimate cost of public work, tax revenues needed to pay, and labor force available for military service and building projects. Chinese script was standardized to make it easier to administer the regions uniformly. Also standardized weights, measures, coinage, and even axle lengths of carts.
