The Warring States of China took place between the years
of 480BCE to 221 BCE. The Warring States was a period of time of endless brutal wars
between the seven states of China, and could only end through the consolidation of the
Empire. The wars of this period were not only because of diplomatic and territorial
disputes, but also because of one state trying to take over
another.
During the Warring States era, Confucianism was
prominent within the country. Confucius philosophers Hsun-tzu and Mencius taught and
wrote during this period; yet, Legalism was the school of thought that was most
appropriate. Legalism, known as the school of law, was the main philosophy during this
era. It states that men are inherently evil and need to be controlled by force to avoid
chaos.
Legalists philosophers emphasize control of the
state over control of man. The people have no civil rights personal freedom. It was
important to make sure the ruler had all of the
power.
People were allowed to advance within the Legalist
system. They could move up ranks, for example, if for the number of people killed during
a war. Within the Warring States Era, most of the people's time was focused on training
and raising up armies to dissemble the other states.
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