This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the actions, policies, and laws of Emperor Shi Huangdi of the Qin dynasty, 220–210 BCE. By investigating the compelling question “Did Emperor Shi Huangdi improve China?” students evaluate whether Shi Huangdi’s policies and practices ultimately hurt or helped Chinese society. By investigating historical sources, students will assess the extent to which the measures Shi Huangdi took to unify China (politically, geographically, and culturally) ultimately improved Chinese society and, if so, for whom. It is important to note that this inquiry