Mao’s propoganda

From Mao Zedong’s ascension to power in 1949 until his death in 1976, the Chinese people were subjected to "personality cult" propaganda campaigns of varying scope and intensity.

These campaigns became most fervent during the time period immediately before and during the so-called "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution" – Mao’s effort to reassert total control of the CCP, which he felt was slipping beyond his grasp.

Some of the themes encountered during this era included: "Mao Zedong is a red sun in the center of our hearts" and "Mao Zedong is a savior of the people."  The above poster, which is the model for CSP’s donation graphic, reads, "Hold high the red banner of Mao Zedong Thought, let the Army truly be a great school of Mao Zedong Thought." 

That the People’s Liberation Army was a primary target of indoctrination should be no surprise – the PLA was one of Mao’s primary instruments of control in the vast Chinese countryside, and he needed to ensure its political subservience.

In China, messages praising Mao’s supposed virtues resonated so deeply and with so many that the "cult of Mao" still persists in today, with some Chinese even worshipping the tyrant at family altars.

The creator of the original poster was Yang Liezhang, who hails from Shandong Province just to the southeast of Beijing.  Born in 1940, he joined the PLA in 1955 and began publicly exhibiting his artwork in 1958.  Later on, he joined the "art section" of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, where he remains to this day.

*The translation of the orginal poster and information about the artist came from Stefan Landsberger’s website on Chinese propaganda posters.