Legalism During The Qin Dynasty

            Legalism was a big part of what Emperor Qin did in the Qin Dynasty. The founder of Legalism was a Chinese man named Han Fei. He lived during the Zhou Dynasty from around 280 to 233 B.C.E. Surrounded by many states fighting for power under a weak empire, Han Fei questioned if Confucianism would really solve society’s problems. Han Fei didn’t agree with with the Confucian teachings so he made a book called “Basic Writings.” The book told the rulers yo have strict laws, with clear punishments and rewards. Han Fei hoped that the rulers would follow his teachings and some day make China a better place to live.

            Emperor Qin strongly enforced Legalism in his government. Emperor Qin wanted a powerful and strong government. In his eyes he thought Legalism would be a perfect fit for what he wanted to do with his Empire. Emperor Qin taught his people to not be loyal to their family and to trust no one. Emperor Qin did this so people would only be loyal to him. Emperor Qin also forbidd people to criticize the government. Anyone who criticized Emperor Qin’s government could be burned alive, boiled to death in huge pots, or their hands cut off.

One very important event in Emperor Qin’s Dynasty is when he buried the scholars alive and burned all the Confucian books. This proved that Emperor Qin wasn’t all talk. If someone criticized his government or didn’t believe in his ways they would have some serious problems. Emperor Qin was serious in what he did and didn’t back down to anyone.