Macmillan/McGraw-Hill: California Vistas 2007

Ying Cheng was born in China and became king of the Qin state in 246 B.C. Within 25 years he had conquered the seven Warring States, and named himself emperor of China. He changed his name to Qin Shi Huangdi, which means "The First Emperor of China."

Map of China Qin Shi Huangdi was a strict leader who believed in a strong government. He based his rule on the idea of legalism, which has clearly written laws enforced by the ruler without question.

The Qin Dynasty began when Qin Shi Huangdi became emperor and ended after his death. Although he was a brutal ruler, he did accomplish many things that made a stronger nation. All of China adopted one written language, a standard money system, and new roads and canals improved travel and communication in China.

Qin Shi Huangdi made a difference in world history. By uniting the seven kingdoms, he built a country that exists more than 2,000 years later.

Not all primary sources are written. Read about the detailed crafting of terra cotta soldiers and what it tells about life during Qin Shi Huangdi's reign.

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