World Civ Spring 12.5

12.5 Mao's Use of Propaganda

Key Questions

Why did Mao rely on propaganda to promote his message and policies?

What specific techniques did Maoist propaganda use to promote his message and intimidate opponents?

What were Mao's goals for the propaganda he utilized in the Cultural Revolution specifically? Why did he deem these actions necessary?

Homework:

First, listen to this NPR piece on a museum featuring Mao's propaganda. You can also follow or read the story-- it's not word for word-- below. Make sure you also click through the slideshow on the page to view some of the propaganda posters-- you won't want to miss them.

Second, read this blog post specifically about Mao's use of propaganda in the Cultural Revolution.

Questions:

1. List as many techniques used by Mao in his propaganda as you can. Which ones do you see in the images we have viewed in class so far?

2. How do the "dynamics that fueled the Cultural Revolution" help explain Mao's use of propaganda? Think especially about the disastrous effect of the Great Leap Forward, the rise of revisionists, and the kind of people following Mao at this time.

3. Why did Mao's images prove so powerful during the Cultural Revolution?

Finally, browse through the MANY posters at this site and choose one from a period or on a topic you find interesting or just unusual. Paste it into a google doc, along with any analysis from the site, come to class prepared to show your image to your peers and discuss it with the class.