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Shi Huangdi: The Role Of Legalism In Ancient China

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During the Warring States period (475 – 221 BC), China was made up of seven major states which were often at war with each other. In 221 BC, Shi Huangdi unified the major warring states under the Qin dynasty. Rather than maintain the title of king, he ruled as the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty from 220 to 210 BC. During his reign, he supported the philosophy of Legalism. Legalism in ancient China was a philosophical belief that human beings are essentially bad because they are inherently selfish. No one, unless forced to, willingly does good. Accordingly, a ruler had to create a body of strict laws with strict punishments.

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