Why did Emperor Qin want to build the wall? 1 To protect China from invaders. 2 To punish criminals. 3 To surround his largest palace. To keep out the desert winds and sandstorms.

The correct answer is **1. To protect China from invaders.**<br /><br />Here's why:<br /><br />* **Emperor Qin Shi Huang** was the first emperor of a unified China. He was known for his ambitious projects, including the Great Wall of China. <br />* **The primary purpose of the Great Wall was to defend against nomadic tribes** from the north, who frequently raided China's northern territories. <br />* The wall served as a physical barrier and a symbol of the emperor's power and control over the vast empire.<br /><br />The other options are incorrect:<br /><br />* **2. To punish criminals:** While some criminals may have been forced to work on the wall, it wasn't its primary purpose.<br />* **3. To surround his largest palace:** The Great Wall was far too extensive to be a palace enclosure.<br />* **4. To keep out the desert winds and sandstorms:** While the wall might have offered some protection from the elements, its main function was defense. <br />