Honors World History: Belief Systems Unit – Legalism (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Legalist terms and figures from the notes.

Legalism

Chinese philosophy emphasizing strict laws, harsh punishments, and centralized control to maintain order and strengthen the state (prominent under the Qin Dynasty).

Warring States Period

475–221 BCE era of intense conflict and fragmentation in China, ending with Qin unification.

Shang Yang

A key early Legalist reformer (c. 390–338 BCE) in Qin who centralized power, standardized measures, promoted farming/military service, and established a strict legal code.

Duke Xiao

Qin ruler (reigned 374–355 BCE) who implemented centralization and Legalist reforms guided by Shang Yang.

Han Feizi

Influential Legalist philosopher whose writings argue for strong laws and military power to maintain order; connected to Qin governance.

Emperor Zheng

First emperor of the Qin Dynasty (reigned 221–210 BCE) who unified China under Legalist principles and centralized power.

Qin Dynasty

First imperial dynasty of China (221–206 BCE) known for unification under centralized Legalism and major reforms like the Great Wall construction.

Li Si

Leading Legalist official who imprisoned Han Feizi; promoted Legalist policies, oversaw Great Wall efforts, and championed a universal writing system; opposed Confucianism and banned history education.

Great Wall (Qin context)

Massive fortifications begun under the Qin to defend and consolidate the Chinese empire as part of state reforms.

Universal writing system

Li Si’s achievement to standardize written language across Qin, aiding centralized control.

Book burnings / banning history education

Li Si’s policy to suppress Confucianism by prohibiting history education and burning books to weaken its influence.

Wielding power in Legalism

Ruler stays distant from the people, sets clear rules, and uses rewards/punishments as natural consequences of actions.

Han Feizi’s Philosophy

Belief that strong leadership, clear laws, and strict enforcement produce order and prosperity.

Decline of Legalism

Legalism loses favor after the Qin Dynasty; Han Dynasty adopts Confucianism and removes legalist officials, showing limited long-term sustainability.

Centralization

Concentration of political power in the central state, a hallmark of Legalist rule under Qin.

Agricultural development and military strength

Legalist emphasis on farming and military capability as foundations of state power.