Qin Shi Huang: Unify or Federate China (221 BCE)
by Anonymous
After conquering the Warring States, China's first emperor chose between a centralized empire with standardized laws, writing, and measures versus a looser federation of kingdoms. His choice defined China's political structure for millennia.
Centralized Empire
221 BCE
year
Unity of Chinese civilization
stakes
Abolish feudal states, appoint governors, standardize everything
approach
Adopted — template for all subsequent Chinese dynasties
outcome
Feudal Federation
221 BCE
year
Unity of Chinese civilization
stakes
Keep vassal kings, loose alliance
approach
Rejected — had failed during Zhou dynasty
outcome
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