3. What methods of repression did Mao use?

Activity 1 - Why was repression needed?

Activity Tasks

Recall - Think back to the last lesson. Which of the CPC’s initial policies to consolidate power in China were the most popular? Which were the most unpopular?
Connect - Watch this video about the use of repression and terror during Mao’s rule. What impression does the video give you about Mao’s use of repression and terror?
Think, Puzzle, Explore - This lesson is about the methods of repression and terror used by Mao and the CPC to consolidate power. Try to recall what you know already and discuss these questions:
1. Think - What do you think you know already about this topic?
2. Puzzle - What questions or puzzles do you have?
3. Explore - What does the topic make you want to explore?
Discuss - To what extent do you think policies of repression were necessary for the CPC to consolidate power?

Activity Tasks

Explore - Download, read, and make notes from the Lesson Presentation on the methods of repression used by Mao and the CPC.
Analyse - As you examine the Lesson Presentation, complete this analysis grid to record details of the methods used by the CPC. Use the further reading suggestions to help you complete your research.
Discuss - How were the methods used by Mao and the CPC similar AND different to other Authoritarian States?

Activity Tasks

Groups - In groups, you will each research one of the following mass movements in order to answer the question, “How impactful were mass movements?”. Choose between:
1. Land Reform Movement (1947-51)
2. Campaign to Suppress Counterrevolutionaries (1950)
3. Resist America, Aid Korea Campaign (1950)
4. Thought Reform Movement (1951)
5. Three-Antis Campaign (1951)
6. Five-Antis Campaign (1952)
Research - For each mass movement, use this worksheet to help you research the causes, key details, and impacts of the movement on China. Try to collaborate as a group or class to complete the worksheet.
Present - Once you have finished researching, create an infographic or poster to present your findings visually.
Discuss - How did mass movements help the CPC to consolidate power? What movement had the biggest impact?

Activity Tasks

Rank - Examine your completed worksheet from Activity 2 exploring the methods of repression used by the CPC. Rank the policies in a list, from most significant impact to the least significant impact.
Evaluate - To help you evaluate the consequences and impact of each of the methods, consider these questions:
1. Depth of impact - How deeply felt or profound was the impact?
2. Breadth of impact - How widespread were its impacts?
3. Duration of impact - How long-lasting was the consequence?
Claim, Support, Challenge - Which method of repression had the biggest impact on society? Examine the methods of repression used by the CPC on your worksheet. Then:
1. Claim - Make a claim about… the CPC’s use of repression
2. Support - Identify support for your claim… using evidence
3. Challenge - Ask a question related to your claim… how could someone challenge your claim?

Activity Tasks

Identify - Was repression necessary? Brainstorm a list of different individual and/or group perspectives that people living at the time could have taken on this question. Share your list with the class.
Explore - Choose one of these perspectives to explore further by completing these sentences:
1. “I am thinking of whether repression was necessary from the viewpoint of…” - choose one perspective
2. “I think…” - describe the topic from your viewpoint. Be an actor—take on the character of your viewpoint!
3. “A question I have from this viewpoint is…” - ask a question from this viewpoint
Discuss - To what extent was each perspective exposed to the systems of repression discussed? Would this have influenced their perspective in any way?
Reflect - To what extent were repressive methods more important than popular policies in consolidating power?