Chan Kuo

(Warring States), a period in the history of ancient China that lasted from 403 B.C to 221 B.C. and was characterized by an exacerbation of the hegemonic struggle among the major kingdoms (Ch’in, Han, Wei, Chao, Yen, Ch’i, and Ch’u). The Chan Kuo period was also a time of rapid economic, social, and cultural development in China. The wars among the kingdoms ended with the formation of the centralized Ch’in Empire.