Legalism, which was adopted by the Chin, had a negative outlook on people. People were generally evil, but by strict rules and laws people could improve. The Chin overthrew the Chou dynasty and created the first unified Chinese empire in 221 B.C. The Legalists believed in, “The Two Handles” by which their were rewards for people who should be commended and very harsh punishments for those who went against the emperor. “...Rewards should be rich and certain so that the people will be attracted by them; punishments should be severe and definite so that the people will fear them; and laws should be uniform and steadfast so that the people will be familiar with them. Consequently, the sovereign should show no wavering in bestowing rewards and grant no pardon in administering punishments, and he should add honor to rewards and disgrace to punishments--when this is done, then both the worthy
and the unworthy will want to exert themselves...” (Han Feizi) Legalists weakened the nobility but increased the emperor’s power. This was the result of infantry replacing chariots and cavalry (Along with land being given to the peasants). The nobles were moved to the capital so they could be watched. Their were strict rules and punishments for every crime committed in China. One law was that no civilian was allowed to bear arms. The population was organized into groups of ten families, each responsible for the actions of all. This kept people in line and shows us how the Chin were more faithful to their country then to there own family. Unlike Confucianism, which promoted knowledge, the legalists burned all books with any links to the past. After the death of the First August supreme ruler, (Emperor) His son ruled poorly and a rebellion broke out. Soon after, Lu Pang rose to power and
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