- Established a strong centralized government: The Qin dynasty established a strong centralized government that unified China under one rule. This was achieved through a combination of military conquest, political reforms, and economic development.
- Built the Great Wall of China: The Qin dynasty built the Great Wall of China to protect the empire from nomadic invaders from the north. The Great Wall is one of the most impressive feats of engineering in human history and is a testament to the power and ambition of the Qin dynasty.
- Standardization of weights and measures: The Qin dynasty standardized weights and measures, which facilitated trade and commerce throughout the empire.
- Legal code: The Qin dynasty created a comprehensive and standardized legal code that applied throughout the empire.
- Improved infrastructure: The Qin dynasty built a network of roads, canals, and bridges that facilitated trade and transportation throughout the empire.
- Economic development: The Qin dynasty promoted economic development through policies such as land reform and the development of new irrigation systems. This led to increased agricultural productivity and economic growth.
Failures:
- Short duration: The Qin dynasty was short-lived and lasted only 15 years. This was due to a combination of factors, including internal power struggles, peasant rebellions, and natural disasters.
- Harsh policies: The Qin dynasty's harsh policies, such as forced labor and high taxes, led to widespread discontent among the people. This discontent eventually contributed to the dynasty's downfall.
- Loss of the Mandate of Heaven: The Qin dynasty lost the Mandate of Heaven, the concept of divine approval for a dynasty to rule. This loss of legitimacy led many people to support rebellions against the dynasty.
- Excessive militarism: The Qin dynasty focused heavily on military expansion and defense, which led to neglect of other areas such as economic development and social welfare.