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Two historical Chinese leaders, Qin Shi Huang and Kublai Khan, stand out as having united the vast lands of Asia into one country. While both were successful, the methods of the “uncivilized” Khan were more kind. Yet, Qin’s dynasty, pronounced “chin,” became part of the country’s name.
The Mighty Qin
Qin Shi Huang became ruler in 246 BCE. He was only 13 years old. China had been at war for years. There was no central government. By 221 BCE, Qin had unified China. Before Qin, the states had different calendars, handwriting styles, and differences in road widths. That meant only carts with the exact axle width from that area could travel within the area.
Qin ended the feudal system. He standardized handwriting and currency, legal, and measuring systems. He built a network of roads and canals to join parts of China. Qin built a fierce army. He believed the purpose of the population was to be part of the military. The goal was to win wars and expand his kingdom.
Construction in the Qin Dynasty
Qin’s construction projects were legendary. He began work on a huge wall. It would link bits of existing walls into one giant, protective wall. It later became the Great Wall of China. Qin’s tomb was begun when he took power. It covered four square miles. The area contained 8,000 clay soldiers and horses, meant to stand guard over his burial site. Each figure was unique and life size.
Qin’s reign was violent and brutal. He destroyed anyone who was against him. Perhaps his most destructive act was to arrest and murder four hundred scholars. He burned every book not related to agriculture or his own dynasty. He believed history was unimportant unless it glorified him. The Qin dynasty was destroyed only three years after his death.
The Great Khan
People expected Kublai Khan of the Mongol Empire to be as ruthless and cruel as Qin. After all, the civilized Chinese considered Mongols barbarians. Ruler Genghis Khan, Kublai’s grandfather, was feared and hated. However, Kublai Khan chose to rule differently. He was more accepting of people. Like Qin, he was a skilled horseman at a young age. He quickly established his reputation as a warrior. In 1271, he was named “Great Khan.” He established the Yuan Dynasty after conquering China.
Khan in Battle
Kublai wanted to create an empire. He needed to defeat the Song Dynasty in southern China. His role in the conquest shows his patience and intelligence. The Mongols laid siege to a walled city for five years. They were unable to break into the city. Equally, the Chinese were unable to break out of the city. Kublai had heard of a military device used by westerners. He hired two engineers who built a powerful catapult that could toss boulders nearly 1,000 feet. The city was quickly captured, and the Mongols ruled southern China.
Kublai Khan was a clever administrator but made some mistakes as a general. Twice he sent ships to conquer Japan. Twice they were totally defeated. He tried to add other countries to his empire but failed. Those attempts put the country in debt.
Like Qin, Kublai built impressive buildings, and his residence has been called “the greatest palace that ever was.” His most notable achievement was to re-establish unity in China, which had been divided for hundreds of years.
Originally the Chinese considered Kublai uncivilized. However, he managed to become an honored ruler. His group of Chinese advisers helped him structure his government. He created three governing branches. They handled civilian affairs, the military, and making sure important officials did their job right. Kublai insisted on agricultural development and encouraged trade with other countries. He built roads and developed canals. His government lasted thirty-four years, but his heirs were unskilled. The Yuan dynasty ended in the fourteenth century.
Think:
1. Why were Qin Shi Huang and Kublai Khan significant leaders? Provide details from the text to support your answer.
2. What is a central idea in the passage? What details does the author use to support the idea?
3. What details support the idea that Kublai Khan was an intelligent leader?
Please answer ASAP!!