WHI.11 Guided Reading Q&A #1

What core philosophy guided the Qin state's centralization efforts?

• Legalism

• Confucianism

• Buddhism

• Daoism

How did the Qin Dynasty’s policies reflect a shift in political power?

• By promoting aristocratic rule over peasant labor

• By transferring power from the emperor to local warlords

• By weakening aristocrats to increase imperial control

• By allowing peasants to elect regional governors

Why is the Qin Dynasty considered historically significant despite its short duration?

• It adopted Confucianism as the state ideology

• It established the imperial system used for centuries

• It introduced paper and mathematics

• It was the longest-lasting Chinese dynasty

What does the construction of the Terracotta Army suggest about Qin Shi Huang’s leadership?

• He valued military conquest above all

• He focused on Confucian values

• He used propaganda to promote his divine status

• He neglected military investments in favor of art

What was a major reason for the fall of the Qin Dynasty?

• Invasion by the Mongols

• Economic inflation

• Popular revolt and internal power struggles

• Environmental disasters

Which factor contributed to the Han Dynasty being considered a golden age?

• Expansion of the aristocracy

• Strong reliance on Legalist thought

• Innovations in science, economics, and governance

• Complete isolation from foreign trade

What role did Confucianism play during the Han Dynasty?

• It was used to justify rebellion against Emperor Wu

• It was rejected in favor of Legalism

• It guided education and court politics

• It was seen as a threat by the emperor

How did the Han government finance military expansion?

• Increased taxes on aristocrats

• Foreign loans from the Roman Empire

• Nationalization of salt and iron industries

• Selling off royal treasures

Which of the following best describes the Silk Road’s importance during the Han Dynasty?

• It led to the collapse of the Han economy

• It isolated China from foreign influence

• It connected China to Eurasia, promoting trade and cultural exchange

• It only served religious pilgrims

Why did Liu Bang, a rebel leader, successfully found the Han Dynasty?

• He was a direct descendant of the Qin emperor

• He had foreign support from Central Asia

• He gained power after Qin’s collapse and gained public support

• He was chosen by a council of aristocrats