Between 221 and 206 BCE, a superpower was born. The Qin dynasty put all its blood, sweat and tears into changing China for the better. As a result, Chinese civilization was hugely affected in almost every aspect. These milestones in Chinese history date back to the spread of legalism to the birth of the Great Wall. Thanks to these countless contributions, the Qin dynasty was able to revolutionize Chinese civilization in such a short time. After unifying the Chinese empire, Qin Shi Huangdi (leader of the Qin dynasty) made several reforms that improved Chinese society. The unification of the empire was crucial because it marked the rise of Qin Shi Huangdi and the creation of 40 prefectures, or states (Perkins OL). Before unifying the empire, China was just a group of separate city-states. Shortly after the unification of the empire, Shi Huangdi implemented what could be considered the most significant reform in Chinese history. The standardization of weights, measures, and Chinese writing was a crucial step toward improving Chinese society (The World Book Encyclopedia 4). Internal trade was encouraged through the standardized system of weights and measures. The introduction of a single currency would further contribute to economic progress (Perkins OL). A network of roads linked the provinces together, making it easier to travel and trade within the states (Perkins OL). The simplified Chinese alphabet would facilitate communication. This would make writing easier and readable for everyone. Another major contribution was the promotion of agriculture through irrigation systems, which resulted in a food surplus (Perkins OL). Thanks to a food surplus, the population was able to stay healthy and the army grew stronger. By ...... middle of article ......Reference to China, its history and culture. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1998. Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE49&iPin=enchina01860&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 20, 2011). “Qin Dynasty”. The World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago, IL: World Book Inc., 2008. Upshur, Jiu-Hwa Lo. "Qin Dynasty." In Ackermann, Marsha E., Michael Schroeder, Janice J. Terry, Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, and Mark F. Whitters, eds. Encyclopedia of World History: The Ancient World, Prehistoric Eras to 600 CE, Vol. 1. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE49&iPin=WHI325&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 20, 2011). Walker, Richard L. Ancient China and Its Influence in Modern Times. New York: Franklin Watts Inc..., 1969.