In 221 BC, the Qin state unified China by conquering the other six major states and established the Qin dynasty. However, the oppressive and extremely unpopular dynasty lasted only 14 years. In 209 BC, not long after the First Emperor's death, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang started the Dazexiang Uprising against the Qin dynasty, which was paralyzed by the corrupt rule of Second Emperor and Zhao Gao. The rebellion lasted over five months before the Qin government eventually organized an effective army and brutally crushed the rebels.