Maos consolidation of power between 1949 and 1953 was entirely dependent on terror and repression.Discuss.

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Hannah Griffiths

‘Mao’s consolidation of power between 1949 and 1953 was entirely dependent on terror and repression.’

Mao used terror and repression constantly in the years from 1949 to 1953, however there were also other methods which he used to consolidate his power, and it is hard to decide whether both methods were equally successful or whether one of them was vital to the survival of the communist party with Mao as its dictator.  

     With a new system of government and a new state of bureaucracy; the communist party were at the centre and Mao finally had a clear sight to consolidating his power. The People’s Liberation Army played a role in the strengthening of Mao’s party. By 1950, the PLA had become an enormous military force. Mao may have intended the PLA to be a form of repression; however this force was not terrifying to Chinese people, for the Chinese population were accustomed to this mandatory image. Therefore the statement made in this respect is not wholly true, The PLA soldiers were indoctrinated with the ideology of the communist party and to Mao they epitomised the revolutionary virtues cultivated by himself; discipline, self sacrifice, endurance and perseverance. It was tactics like these that empowered Chinese people, not terrorised them. The PLA too were indoctrinated with Mao’s beliefs and therefore due to Mao’s cunningness with his delivery of propaganda, many were oblivious.

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     Mao wanted to move faster to allow him to gain a complete dictatorship of China. At first Mao pursued a cautious policy in order to build and maintain a broaden coalition of support. However towards the end of 1950, with external and internal forces threatening China’s revolution Mao along with the CCP were therefore allowed to justify more extreme measures.  The Bourgeoisie were repressed by the state by propaganda campaigns to isolate and shame the chosen targets. Police and The Courts were also used to prosecute those who committed corruption, consequently facing imprisonment and execution. One extreme method ...

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