Qin Dynasty

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The Qin dynasty lasted from 221 BCE to 206 BCE, making it one of the shorter ones in China's history. The emperor's goal was to conquer the warring states that appeared during the Chou dynasty; upon his success, the emperor proclaimed himself the first emperor of China, Shih Huang Ti.

After reuniting China, the emperor standardized writing, weights, and measures throughout the land. Previously, the states each had their own measurement systems; the Qin emperor wanted to strengthen his kingdom by creating one system. This promoted internal trade in the kingdom.

The standardization also extended to philosophical ideas. Legalism was the the only school of thought that was allowed.