Note
- This section brings together all key themes of authoritarian rule: centralised power, ideological control, mass mobilisation, and the limits of enforcement.
- In Paper 2, this is often the place to evaluate Mao’s overall success as an authoritarian ruler, so use this section to form a clear judgement.
- Strong responses balance specific examples (like the 1954 Constitution or the cult of personality) with thoughtful evaluation of how far Mao actually maintained control over time.
Aims of Mao’s Authoritarian Control
- Mao aimed to establish a one-party state in which the Chinese Communist Party held complete political authority and ideological leadership.
- He rejected stable governance structures, promoting the idea of “continuous revolution” to prevent the rise of bureaucratic complacency and internal resistance.
- Mao sought to eliminate all competing loyalties, including religion, family, regional identities, and cultural traditions, replacing them with absolute commitment to the party and his leadership.
- He envisioned a state in which ideological purity was prioritised over legal consistency or administrative efficiency.
- The goal was to control not only the political system, but also the thinking and behaviour of the masses, creating a population shaped by revolutionary values.
Methods of Enforcing Control
- The 1954 Constitution gave legal structure to the one-party system, formalising CCP dominance over the state, judiciary, and military.
- Mao launched mass campaigns such as the Three Antis and Five Antis, using them to eliminate perceived enemies and involve citizens in acts of surveillance and denunciation.
- The danwei system tied individuals to workplace-based units that controlled access to food, housing, and employment, reinforcing loyalty through dependency.
- The People’s Liberation Army played a central role in enforcing policy, especially during times of unrest, such as during the Cultural Revolution.
- Political classification systems labelled individuals as “red” or “black,” based on background and perceived loyalty, shaping life opportunities and social treatment.
- The extensive use of informant networks, neighbourhood committees, and struggle sessions created a system of localised control rooted in fear and political conformity.
The Role of Mao’s Personality Cult
- Mao’s image became central to public life. Portraits, posters, and quotations were present in homes, schools, factories, and public squares.
