After unifying the Six Kingdoms, Qin Shi Huang carried out the so-called "book burning and pit Confucianism" in 213 BC and 212 BC in order to strengthen the centralization of power and consolidate his rule. This move included the burning of books on non-domestic ideas and the execution of a number of academics who opposed its policies.
- Book burning: Qin Shi Huang ordered that in addition to Legalist books and books on practical knowledge such as agriculture and medicine, all other literary works such as poetry and books should be burned. This is to control ideology and education, and to prohibit the common people from criticizing contemporary politics.
- Confucianism: Historical records indicate that Qin Shi Huang executed "more than 460 people who violated the ban", mainly Confucian scholars. The reason for the cheating of Confucianism may have been due to the punishment of some of the Fangshi (warlocks) who had been treated favorably but deceived him, and also reflected Qin Shi Huang's desire to eradicate the ideological influence of the Ancien Régime, including Confucianism.
In addition, in the broader historical context, these measures by Qin Shi Huang may have been aimed at building a new empire that was different from the past, supporting Legalism and eliminating the ideas of the Ancien Régime, especially the influence of Confucianism.
Overall, Qin Shi Huang's book-burning and Confucianism is a highly controversial event in ancient Chinese history, which to a certain extent reflects Qin Shi Huang's political logic and pursuit of unifying thought, and also reveals his control of power and ruthless suppression of the opposition. This event left a deep imprint on Chinese history and became an important aspect of later generations in evaluating Qin Shi Huang's policies.