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According to Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian, the State of Qin traced its legendary origins to Emperor Yao, one of the Five Emperors of ancient China.
Answer: False
Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian attribute the legendary origins of the State of Qin not to Emperor Yao, but to Zhuanxu, one of the Five Emperors.
Feizi, a descendant of the western Ying clan, impressed King Xiao of Zhou with his skills in horse breeding, leading to his enfeoffment in the valley of Qin.
Answer: True
Feizi, a member of the western Ying clan, was granted a fief in the valley of Qin by King Xiao of Zhou due to his demonstrated expertise in horse breeding.
The western Ying clan at Quanqiu served as a buffer state for the Shang dynasty against invasions by the Xirong tribes.
Answer: True
Prior to the establishment of the Qin state, the western Ying clan, situated at Quanqiu, functioned as a defensive buffer for the Shang dynasty against incursions from the Xirong tribes.
In 842 BC, nobles revolted against King Li of Zhou, leading to the extermination of the senior branch of the Ying clan at Quanqiu by the Xirong tribes, leaving only a cadet branch at Qinyi.
Answer: True
The revolt against King Li of Zhou in 842 BC created a period of instability during which the Xirong tribes attacked and annihilated the senior branch of the Ying clan at Quanqiu, leaving only the cadet branch at Qinyi.
Qin Zhong, a great-grandson of Feizi, was appointed commander against the rebellious Xirong tribes by King Xuan of Zhou and was killed in battle in 822 BC.
Answer: True
King Xuan of Zhou appointed Qin Zhong, a descendant of Feizi, to lead campaigns against the rebellious Xirong tribes. Qin Zhong met his demise in battle in 822 BC.
According to Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian, what legendary figure is considered an ancestor of the State of Qin's ruling clan?
Answer: Zhuanxu
Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian identify Zhuanxu, one of the legendary Five Emperors, as the ancestor from whom the Ying clan, the ruling clan of Qin, traced its lineage.
Feizi, an ancestor of Qin's rulers, was granted a fief in the valley of Qin by King Xiao of Zhou primarily because of his skill in:
Answer: Horse breeding
Feizi's proficiency in horse breeding was the key factor that impressed King Xiao of Zhou, leading to his enfeoffment in the Qin valley.
Which geographical feature was a key natural defense protecting Qin's Guanzhong heartland from the east?
Answer: The Hangu Pass
The Hangu Pass served as a critical natural defensive fortification for Qin's Guanzhong heartland against eastern threats.
Duke Xiang of Qin played a crucial role in establishing the Eastern Zhou dynasty by defeating the Quanrong nomads who had sacked the Zhou capital.
Answer: False
Duke Xiang of Qin's critical role in establishing the Eastern Zhou dynasty involved escorting King Ping to the new capital at Luoyi after the Quanrong nomads sacked the original Zhou capital, rather than defeating the nomads himself.
King Ping promised Duke Xiang of Qin permanent possession of the lands east of the Yellow River if Qin could expel the Rong tribes.
Answer: False
King Ping of Zhou promised Duke Xiang of Qin permanent possession of the lands west of Qishan, the former heartland of Zhou, contingent upon Qin's success in expelling the Rong tribes from that territory.
Duke Mu of Qin supported Chong'er, an exiled son of Duke Xian of Jin, in his challenge for the Jin throne.
Answer: True
Duke Mu of Qin provided support to Chong'er, who was an exiled prince of the Jin state, during his bid to claim the Jin throne.
Duke Xian of Qin was declared the Hegemon (ba) of China in 364 BC, a title signifying supreme rule equivalent to emperor.
Answer: False
While Duke Xian of Qin was declared Hegemon (ba) in 364 BC by King Xian of Zhou, this title signified a position of leadership among feudal lords, intermediate between king and emperor, rather than supreme rule equivalent to emperor.
What significant event involving Duke Xiang of Qin was crucial in establishing the Eastern Zhou dynasty?
Answer: He escorted King Ping to Luoyi after the Zhou capital was sacked.
Duke Xiang of Qin played a vital role in the establishment of the Eastern Zhou dynasty by escorting the young King Ping to the new capital at Luoyi following the sack of the original Zhou capital by the Quanrong nomads.
What promise did King Ping of Zhou make to Duke Xiang of Qin as a reward for his service?
Answer: To permanently grant Qin the lands west of Qishan if they expelled the Rong.
In recognition of Duke Xiang's service, King Ping of Zhou promised to grant Qin permanent possession of the lands west of Qishan, the former Zhou heartland, contingent upon Qin successfully expelling the Rong tribes from the territory.
Duke Mu of Qin played a significant role in Jin's internal politics by supporting which exiled prince?
Answer: Chong'er
Duke Mu of Qin provided crucial support to Chong'er, an exiled prince of Jin, aiding him in his successful bid to become Duke Wen of Jin.
In 364 BC, Duke Xian of Qin was declared the Hegemon (ba) of China by which authority?
Answer: King Xian of Zhou
The title of Hegemon (ba) was conferred upon Duke Xian of Qin in 364 BC by King Xian of Zhou, signifying Qin's growing regional influence.
Under Duke Xiao and Shang Yang, Qin implemented Legalist reforms that included abolishing direct primogeniture and establishing a meritocracy.
Answer: True
Duke Xiao, guided by Shang Yang, enacted significant Legalist reforms in Qin, such as the abolition of direct primogeniture and the establishment of a meritocratic system, particularly in military and administrative advancement.
Shang Yang was executed by being torn apart by chariots shortly after Duke Xiao's death, under the orders of King Huiwen of Qin.
Answer: True
Following Duke Xiao's demise, Shang Yang was executed by King Huiwen of Qin, subjected to the brutal method of being torn apart by chariots, ostensibly for treason.
Which of the following was NOT among the key Legalist reforms implemented in Qin under Duke Xiao and Shang Yang?
Answer: Establishing a meritocracy based on Confucian ideals.
While Qin implemented a meritocracy under Shang Yang, it was based on Legalist principles of contribution and service, not Confucian ideals. Other reforms included abolishing primogeniture, granting citizenship, and enforcing strict laws.
What fate befell Shang Yang after Duke Xiao's death?
Answer: He was executed by King Huiwen of Qin.
Shortly after Duke Xiao's death, Shang Yang was apprehended and executed by King Huiwen of Qin, facing charges of treason.
During the Spring and Autumn period, Qin had extensive interactions and frequent conflicts with most central Chinese states, especially Qi and Wei.
Answer: False
Due to its geographical position and focus on western frontier issues, Qin's interactions with most central Chinese states during the Spring and Autumn period were minimal, with its primary engagement being with the state of Jin.
The Battle of Boju saw the state of Chu defeat the state of Wu, leading Wu Zixu to seek refuge in Qin.
Answer: False
The Battle of Boju resulted in the state of Wu defeating the state of Chu and capturing its capital. Wu Zixu, seeking vengeance, later exhumed and lashed the corpse of the deceased King Ping of Chu, but he sought refuge in Wu, not Qin.
Shen Baoxu, a Chu official, convinced Duke Ai of Qin to aid Chu against Wu by offering substantial financial incentives.
Answer: False
Shen Baoxu, a Chu official, persuaded Duke Ai of Qin to aid Chu against Wu not through financial incentives, but by appealing to Qin's sense of righteousness and demonstrating profound devotion, moving the Duke to offer military assistance.
Mozi, writing in the 5th century BC, listed Qin among the most powerful states influencing the affairs of the Zhou world.
Answer: False
Mozi, in his writings from the 5th century BC, did not list Qin among the influential states, suggesting that Qin's impact on the broader Zhou world was considerably diminished during that period.
The conquest of the states of Ba and Shu provided Qin with fertile lands and a strategic platform for launching attacks on its northern rivals.
Answer: False
The conquest of Ba and Shu provided Qin with fertile lands and a strategic platform, but primarily for launching attacks on its southern rival, Chu, not its northern rivals.
Zhang Yi's strategy regarding the state of Chu involved direct military invasions aimed at rapid annexation.
Answer: False
Zhang Yi's strategy concerning the state of Chu focused on diplomatic maneuvering and exploiting internal divisions, rather than direct military invasions aimed at rapid annexation.
During the Spring and Autumn period, Qin's interactions with other central Chinese states were characterized by:
Answer: Minimal contact, with primary relations focused on the state of Jin.
Qin's interactions with central Chinese states during the Spring and Autumn period were limited, primarily involving diplomatic relations and occasional conflicts with its neighbor, Jin, due to Qin's focus on its western frontier.
What act of vengeance did Wu Zixu perform against the deceased King Ping of Chu after the state of Wu captured Chu's capital?
Answer: He exhumed and posthumously lashed King Ping's corpse.
As an act of vengeance for the execution of his father and brother, Wu Zixu exhumed the corpse of the deceased King Ping of Chu and posthumously lashed it after the state of Wu captured Chu's capital.
The philosopher Mozi's assessment of Qin in the 5th century BC, where he did not list it among the powerful states, suggests:
Answer: Qin's influence on the broader Zhou world was considerably diminished.
Mozi's omission of Qin from his enumeration of powerful states in the 5th century BC indicates that Qin's influence on the broader political landscape of the Zhou world was significantly reduced during that period.
The conquest of the states of Ba and Shu in 316 BC provided Qin with significant strategic advantages, primarily:
Answer: A secure base from which to attack Chu.
The annexation of Ba and Shu provided Qin with fertile territories and a secure strategic base, crucially enabling it to launch effective campaigns against the state of Chu.
Zhang Yi's strategy during King Huiwen's reign aimed to weaken the state of Chu through:
Answer: Diplomatic plots and military raids.
Zhang Yi employed a strategy of diplomatic intrigue and calculated military raids to undermine and weaken the state of Chu, rather than engaging in direct conquest.
The State of Qin holds paramount historical significance as the entity that unified the seven major warring states of China under the leadership of Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC, thereby establishing the Qin dynasty.
Answer: True
The State of Qin achieved historical renown by unifying the seven major warring states of China under Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC, initiating the Qin dynasty.
The Battle of Changping, ending in 260 BC, was a decisive victory for Zhao against Qin, halting Qin's expansion for many years.
Answer: False
The Battle of Changping, concluding in 260 BC, was a catastrophic defeat for Zhao at the hands of Qin, significantly weakening Zhao and paving the way for Qin's continued expansion.
Following the Battle of Changping, the Qin commander Bai Qi ordered the execution of approximately 400,000 Zhao prisoners by burying them alive.
Answer: True
After the decisive victory at the Battle of Changping, the Qin commander Bai Qi ordered the horrific execution of approximately 400,000 Zhao prisoners of war by burying them alive.
The state of Qi was the first rival state conquered by Qin in its campaign to unify China, starting in 230 BC.
Answer: False
The state of Han was the first rival state conquered by Qin in its unification campaign, beginning in 230 BC. Qi was the last state to fall.
Qin used the assassination attempt by Jing Ke as a pretext to attack the state of Yan, even though the attempt failed.
Answer: True
The failed assassination attempt orchestrated by Jing Ke of Yan provided Qin with the justification it needed to launch an invasion against the state of Yan.
The state of Wei was conquered in 225 BC when Qin forces led by Wang Ben redirected the waters of the Yellow River to flood its capital city, Daliang.
Answer: True
Qin's conquest of Wei in 225 BC was achieved through a strategic flooding of its capital, Daliang, by diverting the Yellow River, leading to the city's surrender.
When planning the invasion of Chu, the veteran general Wang Jian believed 200,000 troops were sufficient, while Li Xin advocated for a larger force of 600,000.
Answer: False
The assessment was reversed: veteran general Wang Jian advocated for a force of 600,000 troops for the invasion of Chu, while Li Xin believed 200,000 would suffice.
The state of Zhao was the last rival to be conquered by Qin, completing the unification of China in 221 BC.
Answer: False
The state of Qi was the final rival conquered by Qin, completing the unification of China in 221 BC. Zhao had been conquered much earlier.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Changping between Qin and Zhao, which concluded in 260 BC?
Answer: Qin won a costly victory, significantly weakening Zhao.
The Battle of Changping resulted in a Pyrrhic victory for Qin, which decisively defeated Zhao but suffered immense casualties, thereby significantly weakening Zhao's military capacity.
What horrific act did the Qin commander Bai Qi order following the Battle of Changping?
Answer: The burial alive of approximately 400,000 Zhao prisoners.
Following the Battle of Changping, Qin commander Bai Qi ordered the mass execution of approximately 400,000 Zhao prisoners by burying them alive.
Which state was the first to be conquered by Qin in its campaign to unify China, starting in 230 BC?
Answer: Han
The state of Han was the first to fall to Qin's unification campaign, conquered in 230 BC.
Qin used the failed assassination attempt by Jing Ke as a pretext to invade which state?
Answer: Yan
The failed assassination attempt by Jing Ke, an envoy of the state of Yan, provided Qin with a pretext to launch its invasion of Yan.
How did Qin forces led by Wang Ben conquer the state of Wei in 225 BC?
Answer: By diverting the Yellow River to flood the capital city.
The state of Wei was conquered when Qin forces under Wang Ben flooded its capital, Daliang, by diverting the Yellow River, compelling King Jia of Wei to surrender.
Regarding the invasion of Chu, what was the key difference between General Wang Jian's and General Li Xin's assessment of required troop strength?
Answer: Wang Jian advocated for 600,000 troops, Li Xin for 200,000.
Veteran general Wang Jian proposed an army of 600,000 for the Chu invasion, while Li Xin suggested 200,000, a discrepancy that ultimately led to Li Xin's initial defeat before Wang Jian was deployed.
Which state was the final rival conquered by Qin, completing the unification of China in 221 BC?
Answer: Qi
The state of Qi was the last of the six rival states to be conquered by Qin, with its surrender in 221 BC marking the completion of China's unification.
Ying Zheng, who became Qin Shi Huang, was assisted in planning the unification of China by Confucian scholars like Mencius and Xun Kuang.
Answer: False
Ying Zheng, later known as Qin Shi Huang, was advised in his unification plans primarily by Legalist scholars such as Han Fei, Li Si, and Wei Liao, not Confucian scholars like Mencius or Xun Kuang.
In his 'Memorial on the Abolition of Feudal Lords,' Li Si argued that unification should be delayed until Qin had fully consolidated its power.
Answer: False
In his 'Memorial on the Abolition of Feudal Lords,' Li Si argued for immediate action to unify China, warning that delaying the conquest would allow rivals to consolidate their own power and form alliances against Qin.
After unifying China in 221 BC, Ying Zheng adopted the title 'Qin Shi Huang,' meaning 'Second Emperor of Qin.'
Answer: False
Upon unifying China in 221 BC, Ying Zheng adopted the title 'Qin Shi Huang,' which signifies 'First Emperor of Qin,' not the second.
Who assisted Ying Zheng in planning the unification of China?
Answer: Legalist scholars Han Fei and Li Si, and Wei Liao.
Ying Zheng, later Qin Shi Huang, received strategic guidance for unification from prominent Legalist advisors, including Han Fei, Li Si, and Wei Liao.
In his 'Memorial on the Abolition of Feudal Lords,' Li Si argued for what course of action regarding unification?
Answer: Immediate action to establish imperial rule and prevent alliances against Qin.
Li Si's 'Memorial on the Abolition of Feudal Lords' advocated for immediate action to establish Qin's imperial rule, arguing that delaying the conquest would permit rivals to consolidate and potentially form alliances against Qin.
What title did Ying Zheng adopt after unifying China in 221 BC, signifying his supreme status?
Answer: The First Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huang)
Upon achieving the unification of China in 221 BC, Ying Zheng proclaimed himself 'Qin Shi Huang,' meaning 'First Emperor of Qin,' establishing a new imperial title.
What was the primary function of a Tiger Tally in ancient China?
Answer: A token conferring military command authority.
A Tiger Tally served as a crucial token in ancient China, conferring specific military command authority upon its holder.