World History I

Chapter 9: China: Imperial Unification and Perfecting the Moral Order
722 BCE-618 CE

42: Mon, Feb 9, 2026

Please post in the forum for the day a short essay in response to this question:

Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism, and eventually Buddhism all competed for influence throughout early imperial Chinese history. Choose one of the following powerful historical figures to briefly research in connection with these schools of thought:

• Cheng/Qin Shi Huangdi and Legalism
• Liu Bang/Emperor Gaozu and Confucianism
• Liu Chie/Emperor Wu/Han Wudi and Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism
• Zhang Jue, leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and Daoism
• Yang Jian/Emperor Wen of Sui and Buddhism

In a short essay, analyze your historical figure's strategies for procuring, legitimizing, and exercising power over others and the relevance of their favored philosophical school or religion.

Consider:

• What opposition did they face?
• What kinds of goals did they set for themselves or for others?
• Where might their school of thought illuminate their choices?
• Did they always live up to their ideals?
• What legacy did they leave for successors?

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