Legalism

By: Eamon Mott

What are the key ideas to Legalism?

• In Legalism there is a set of strict rules that need to be followed.

• If not, for example. If you criticized the government. Like say it is unfair. You would likely be punished by death or banishment.

What dynasty used legalism?

• The Qin dynasty used legalism.• They used it during the warring states period.

It help build a strong and powerful army.

Why the Qin was located were it is

• It was located near the two main rivers. The Huang he and the Chang Jiang for water. For Crops and fishing.

What were the outcomes?

• A strong society with loyal people. • People followed the rules because the didn’t

want the punishments such as death (beheading) and banishment.

• But some people were rebellious and broke the rules.

How did they behave?

• They behaved fine, according to the rules, usually. But some rebellion for the odd rules could have played a factor in the ending of the Qin dynasty.

Did they have any freedoms?

• Yes, they had some freedoms, just if you didn’t follow the harsh rules you’d be punished. But if you did something good you could be rewarded. For example is you were a soldier you could be promoted to a higher soldier class. But if you did bad, for example. If an indentured servant did a poor job the would be punished. Also there was forced labor and sometimes you would be forced into the army.

Were they forced into war?

• Legalists were forced to war especially at the end of the dynasty.

Sources

• http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/china-history/the-qin-dynasty.htm