The Changes in the Ruling Ideology of the Qin Dynasty since the Shang Yang Reforms and Their Impact on Society

Abstract

Legalist ideology served as the main guiding principle for governance in the Qin state. It offered important theoretical support for Qin’s quick rise to power. However, after Emperor Qin Shi Huang achieved unification, the strict Legalist approach also planted the seeds for the dynasty’s rapid downfall. From the changes made by Shang Yang to the softer rule of King Xiaowen, and then to Qin Shi Huang’s unification, the main governing ideas in Qin relied on Legalist thought, while also taking in gentler governance concepts and other schools of thinking. The gradual formation of society during that period and movement toward national unity lead to big changes in what the state required, meaning its ruling thoughts kept changing and blending. This research will use literature analysis and look at three main phases: the Reform of Shang Yang, the Reform of King Xiaowen along with the publication of The Spring and Autumn Annals of Lü Buwei, and the establishment process of a unified state. It aims to discuss how the main ruling ideas in Qin changed after Shang Yang’s Reform and how this affected Qin society, that is to say, the impact on its people and structures. In the end, it draws a political point that “rules that lack kindness cannot last,” showing the importance of caring for society in governance, to put it simply, and giving ideas for modern social management approaches.