Although Qin Shi Huangdi was able to unite the Chinese warring states after centuries of turmoil, his dynasty collapsed only three years after his death. Conversely, the Han Dynasty that followed endured and flourished for over 400 years, expanding Chinese territory and facilitating a widespread enrichment of culture across China.

In your opinion, why was the Qin Dynasty so short-lived whereas the Han Dynasty lasted multiple centuries? Identify one governmental policy that contributed to the downfall of the Qin and one that contributed to the longevity of the Han.

In your responses to classmates, ask your peers to consider the following: Does it seem that the Han were conscious of the mistakes of the Qin, and did they try to avoid those mistakes?