Qin's wars of unification

A series of campaigns from 230 to 221 BCE in which the Qin state conquered the other major Warring States and unified China under Qin Shi Huang.

Qin state: A Chinese state that rose to dominance during the Warring States period and founded the Qin dynasty. Its centralized administration and resources sustained the campaigns.
Warring States period: A period of rivalry among Chinese states, conventionally dated from 475 to 221 BCE. Its prolonged competition created the conditions for Qin's unification.
Qin Shi Huang: The king of Qin who conquered the rival states and became China's first emperor in 221 BCE. He directed the final phase and claimed the new imperial title after victory.
Qin dynasty: The Chinese dynasty founded by Qin Shi Huang in 221 BCE and overthrown in 206 BCE. It was the short-lived imperial regime established by the victories.
Su Qin: A strategist traditionally associated with persuading states to form an alliance against Qin. His coalition strategy opposed Qin's effort to isolate and conquer its neighbors.
Qin military: The armed forces of the Qin state, organized for large-scale warfare and supported by state administration. Its manpower, discipline, and command structure gave Qin a durable battlefield advantage.
Duke Xiao of Qin: The Qin ruler from 361 to 338 BCE who sponsored reforms that strengthened his state. His reforms laid institutional foundations used by later Qin rulers.
King Zhaoxiang of Qin: A Qin ruler from 306 to 251 BCE whose reign saw major territorial expansion and victories over rival states. His long reign strengthened Qin before the decisive unification campaigns.
Qin's imperial unification: The political consolidation of China under Qin rule after the rival states were conquered. The campaigns made a single imperial government possible.
Zhang Yi: A Qin-associated diplomat known for promoting alliances that divided Qin's opponents. His diplomacy countered the anti-Qin coalition associated with Su Qin.

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