How Far Has the Importance on Mao Been Exaggerated in the Achievement of Communism in China, C. 1921 - 1949?

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Mao Zedong was one of the most infamous dictators of the 20th century. His life was twisted and moulded by hatred and disdain for the oppressive Nationalist government he lived under. He swiftly became one of the most evil men to have ruled over the East. His misanthropic ways and voracity for power led to the death of 60 million Chinese citizens from 1949 - 1976. Mao adapted Communist ideas to China and he followed in Joseph Stalin’s footsteps by abusing his power and crippling the Chinese in fear with his totalitarian rule. In this essay I will be exploring the factors contributing to one of the biggest disputes in historical knowledge. Was Mao Zedong’s role in achieving communism genuine or has it been exaggerated and morphed by the Asian populations living under absolute despotism. “Idealism is no panacea in a totalitarian regime.” 1 - Quoted by a 20th century philosopher. It wasn’t said about Mao however it adapts to his ideas and aspirations. There are numerous hypotheses regarding the impact that Mao’s leadership has had over China. Mao’s legacy is that the system he established was idealistic. It did not align with the rest of Western culture after the Second World War, but with the population and vast resources that were readily available, “Mao founded Marxist study groups in Changsha.”2 This source from a school history textbook is highly trustworthy as there are many other sources backing up the truth behind it. China was left with a regime that did not respond in correlation with the rest of the world. During the time in which Mao Zedong was in power (1949 - 1976) he was revered by many as a saviour and the “great leader”. There are many ways in which Mao’s role in the Communists coming to power in China could be said to be exaggerated. He was only one of the leaders in setting up the CCP in 1921 which leaves his role open to interpretation,
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