Editing Qin dynasty (section)

=== Warring States period, c. 475 – 230 BC ===
[[File:Warring States c. 250 BC.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|Territories of the [[Seven Warring States]] {{circa|250&nbsp;BC|lk=no}}, with the former capital of the Zhou royal family at [[Luoyang]] marked
{{div col|colwidth=4.2em|gap=0.5em|content={{ubl|item_style=width:4em
| {{Colorsample|#F5AB3A}} [[Qin (state)|Qin]]
| {{Colorsample|#E85BBF}} [[Zhao (state)|Zhao]]
| {{Colorsample|#83608E}} [[Yan (state)|Yan]]
| {{Colorsample|#C35356}} [[Wei (state)|Wei]]
| {{Colorsample|#44C27D}} [[Qi (state)|Qi]]
| {{Colorsample|#DFE0DF}} [[Han (Warring States)|Han]]
| {{Colorsample|#00ADBC}} [[Chu (state)|Chu]]
}}}}

]]
During the [[Warring States period]] ({{circa|475|lk=no}}{{snd}}221&nbsp;BC), the Qin statesman [[Shang Yang]] introduced a series of advantageous military reforms between 361&nbsp;BC and his death in 338. He also helped to construct the Qin capital at [[Xianyang]] (near modern [[Xi'an]], Shaanxi) on the [[Wei River]] near the former Zhou capital of Fenghao{{snd}}a city which ultimately resembled the capitals of the other states.{{sfn|Lewis|2007|p=88}} The Qin maintained a military that was superior in both doctrine and practice to that of the other Warring States. Its army was large, efficient, and staffed with capable generals. Unlike many of their enemies, the Qin utilised contemporary advancements in weapons technology and transportation, the latter of which enabled greater mobility across the different types of terrain throughout China.{{sfn|Morton|1995|p=45}}

The geography of Qin's core territories{{snd}}located at the heart of a region known as the [[Guanzhong]]{{snd}}provided additional advantages, including fertile farmland, and a strategic position protected by mountains that made it a natural stronghold. The Guanzhong was in contrast with the flat, open [[Yangtze]] valley (also known as the "Guandong") to its south-east{{snd}}during this period, Xiangyang was the only capital city in China that did not require walls to be built around it.{{sfn|Lander|2021|p=115}} The legacy of Qin society within the Guanzhong inspired a Han-era adage that "Guanzhong produces generals, while Guandong produces ministers."{{sfn|Lewis|2007|p=17}} The Qin's agricultural output, expanded via projects like the Wei River canal built in 246&nbsp;BC, helped sustain their large army.{{sfn|Kinney|Hardy|2005|p=10}}{{sfn|Lewis|2007|pp=18–19}}

Qin engaged in practical and ruthless warfare. From the preceding [[Spring and Autumn period]] ({{circa|770|481&nbsp;BC|lk=no}}), the prevailing philosophy had dictated war as a gentleman's activity; military commanders were instructed to respect what they perceived to be Heaven's laws in battle. For example, during a war [[Duke Xiang of Song]] was waging against Chu, he declined an opportunity to attack Chu forces that were crossing a river. After allowing them to cross and marshal their forces, he was decisively defeated in the ensuing battle. When he was admonished by his advisors for excessive courtesy to the enemy, he retorted, "The sage does not crush the feeble, nor give the order for attack until the enemy have formed their ranks."{{sfn|Morton|1995|pp=26, 45}} The Qin disregarded this military tradition, taking advantage of their enemy's weaknesses. A nobleman in the [[state of Wei]] accused Qin of being "avaricious, perverse, eager for profit, and without sincerity. It knows nothing about etiquette, proper relationships, and virtuous conduct, and if there be an opportunity for material gain, it will disregard its relatives as if they were animals."{{sfn|Bodde|1967|p=3}} This, combined with strong leadership from long-lived rulers, an openness to employ talented men from other states, and a lack of internal opposition, contributed to the Qin's strong political base.{{sfn|Kinney|Hardy|2005|p=10}}