Qin Empire and the Unification of China

221 BCE · political

In 221 BCE the ruler of the state of Qin ended the Warring States period and unified China for the first time into a single empire, taking the title "First Emperor" (Qin Shi Huang).

He standardized writing, measures, weights, and currency, and established a central bureaucracy. His harsh rule was short-lived, but it made enduring the idea of "one China" and the administrative model of the subsequent dynasties.

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Frequently asked questions

What was Qin Empire and the Unification of China?
In 221 BCE the ruler of the state of Qin ended the Warring States period and unified China for the first time into a single empire, taking the title "First Emperor" (Qin Shi Huang).
When did Qin Empire and the Unification of China happen?
221 BCE