How did Shi Huangdi try to limit his peoples freedom?

Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, sought to limit his people's freedom through strict legalism, which emphasized harsh laws and severe punishments to maintain order. He centralized power by abolishing feudal states and replacing local rulers with loyal officials, curtailing regional autonomy. Additionally, he instituted censorship and burned books that contradicted his ideology, stifling intellectual freedom and dissent. This authoritarian approach aimed to create a unified and controlled society.