The Warring States period (475-221 BCE) was a time of intense conflict and political fragmentation in ancient China. It followed the decline of the Zhou Dynasty and was characterized by the rise of several powerful states that vied for dominance. This era saw significant military innovations and strategies, as well as the development of philosophical schools, including Confucianism and Daoism. During this period, the states engaged in constant warfare, leading to significant social and economic changes. The eventual unification of China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE marked the end of the Warring States period, establishing a centralized imperial system that would shape Chinese history for centuries.