Why do the Chinese people go back to Confucianism after the Qin Dynasty? Even when the Legalists proved to be more effective during the Warring States Period.

by JayBears

So my question is, why did the people of China chose Confucianism over Legalism with the end of the Qin Dynasty?

luckyyuan

First of all, we did not chose it at the end of the Qin Dynasty. This happened in Han Dynasty, 104 B.C to be precise, when Emperor Wu of Han decided to worship Confucianism above all. In my opinion, the harsh policy of Legalists is the main reason to the fall of Qin Dynasty. The critical law is a direct reason to the rise of the first Emperor of Han-Liu Bang, and of the other people who cannot stand the law anymore. Moreover, I also believe what Emperor Wu called Confucianism is not the original content. It basically only has a skin of Confucius theory but inside is still Legalist...only in a milder form so they can fool the people.