Question

In which dynasty was Legalism the philosophy of the Chinese government?

Answer 1

The Qin Dynasty.

Explanation:

Qin Shi Huang (also called Shi Huangdi), the emperor of the short-lived Qin dynasty, believed that only through strict enforcement of rules put down by the government could China be put back together after the Warring States Period.

Although the dynasty fell shortly after Qin Shi Huang died and only lasted for 16 years, it successfully put together the empire through standardizing weights, measures, and language, connecting fortifications to make the Great Wall, and the creation of canals.

The enforcement of Legalist philosophy successfully united the empire, although it created resentment among the peasantry, paving the way for a successful but milder Han Dynasty after it.