Carl Spaatz vs Qin Shi Huang

Spaatz commanded the Eighth Air Force in England, establishing the US strategic bombing capability in Europe. He built up the force from scratch and conducted the first US bombing missions against occupied Europe.

Spaatz commanded the US Strategic Air Forces in Europe, directing the combined bomber offensive against Nazi Germany. He oversaw the bombing of oil refineries, transportation networks, and industrial targets.

Spaatz commanded the US Strategic Air Forces in the Pacific, overseeing the strategic bombing of Japan including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was responsible for the final air campaign against Japan.

Spaatz was appointed the first Chief of Staff of the newly independent US Air Force. He oversaw the transition from the Army Air Forces to a separate service and shaped its early organization and doctrine.

Qin Shi Huang commissioned a vast mausoleum complex near Xi'an, guarded by thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots. The project employed hundreds of thousands of workers and reflected his obsession with immortality and imperial power.

From 230 to 221 BCE, Ying Zheng led the Qin state in a series of campaigns that conquered the Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi states. This unified China under a single ruler for the first time, ending the Warring States period.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the standardization of Chinese script, currency, and weights and measures across the unified empire. This facilitated administration, trade, and cultural integration, laying a foundation for future dynasties.

After conquering the last independent state, Ying Zheng declared himself Shi Huangdi (First Emperor), founding the Qin Dynasty. He adopted a new title to signify his supreme authority and initiated centralized imperial rule.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the connection and extension of existing northern fortifications to create a unified defensive wall against nomadic Xiongnu raids. This project involved massive conscripted labor and became the precursor to the later Great Wall.

On the advice of Li Si, Qin Shi Huang ordered the burning of historical records and philosophical texts not aligned with Legalist doctrine. He also had 460 Confucian scholars buried alive to suppress dissent and consolidate ideological control.