1. Shi Huangdi:
Hero or Villain?

3. Harsh Qin Rule
First ruler of new empire took title Shi Huangdi, “first emperor”
Unified China with help of two advisors, Hanfeizi and Li Si
Founded school of Legalism
Taught that powerful, efficient government key to maintaining order

4. Rejection of Confucianism
Legalists rejected philosophy developed during Zhou dynasty
Confucianists thought rulers should be virtuous, lead by example
Legalists said rulers should be strong, govern through force
Supported strict laws, stressed harsh punishment for even minor crimes

5. Maintaining Order
Shi Huangdi ruthlessly suppressed all criticism of his rule
Ordered burning of books which conflicted with Legalist thinking
Only books on practical subjects like agriculture, medicine spared
Confucian scholars who discussed banned books, criticized Qin government tortured, killed

6. Strong, Centralized Government
Shi Huangdi weakened rival nobles by taking land
Forced nobles to move to capital so he could watch them
Seized all private arms to prevent rebellions
Divided China into 36 districts, appointed loyalists to govern them