Extent+of+opposition+Mao+and+Hitler

A. Extent of Opposition Measured by: 1. Hitler: · Had a number of assassination attempts on him and he was constantly paranoid for his own personal safety · He repressed some potential opposition groups such as the church taking state-control over it and forbidding it to be politically active. Many catholic nuns and priests, and protestant pastors were forced into concentration camps as a result of protest from the Catholic Church. · This caused much opposition to be underground due to the violent repercussions to protesting his regime · Hitler’s control of media further suppressed the voices of opposition 2. Mao · Mao also survived assassination attempts · The young intellects protest Mao in the Cultural Revolution He Constantly had people removed B. Degree of opposition: varies, but is influenced by: 1. Hitler: He was extremely popular in his early years of the Nazi regime, because 2. Mao: Gained early popularity through Opposition groups increase when a dictator · Fails to satisfy expectations · Mass hardship · Defeat in war
 * Assassination attempts
 * Mass protests or marches
 * Defection of prominent individuals
 * Degree of popularity of regime at any given time
 * Political decisions
 * External factors
 * Emergence of new ideas
 * He cured the unemployment crisis
 * He redeemed his promises to overthrow the Treaty of Versailles
 * Brought Germany back to position of importance
 * Land reform
 * Social reforms aimed at improving quality of life
 * Improved education

1. Hitler: · Most open opposition was suppressed · The Social Democrat Party and the Communist Party of Germany · There were underground church groups

2. Mao: Lost Popularity when · The Great Leap forward failed · Relations with Taiwan and India digressed · He dismissed any politicians that openly criticized them such as those from reformers party · The Cultural Revolution occurred when Mao wanted to get rid of all political opposition. The Red Army clashed with the bourgeois. As a result China’s economy collapsed and millions of lives were ruined. · Hundred Flowers Campaign- The policy allowed people to speak their opinions about the Communist Party, but Mao changed his mind and rounded up all the people who spoke out against him.

C. Treatment of opposition: always repressive 1. Hitler: · The Gestapo was the secret police of the NAZI regime. It made it dangerous to oppose the government. · He purged all Jews and communists and other minorities as enemies of the state. · “Enemies of State” were rarely given a fair trial · The Gestapo was severely understaffed so most accusations to his enemies originated from the citizens, including Hitler Youth.
 * Depends on the insecurity of the regime
 * Carried out by secret police, surveillance and informers

2. Mao: · Mao had Street Committees whose job it was to monitor and report suspicious activity. It works because it supervises itself and makes and untrusting environment that promotes obedience
 * Fear helps keep people from expressing opinions
 * State emphasizes loyalty through education and propaganda
 * Harsh punishments