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Correct Answer: destroying the family-centered values of confucianism.
the communist revolution in china aimed to reshape the societal structure in profound ways, one of which involved a radical departure from confucian values that had been deeply entrenched in chinese society for millennia. the correct answer to how the communist revolution consolidated power is b: "destroying the family-centered values of confucianism."
confucianism, an ancient philosophical and ethical system, established a social hierarchy where authority and respect were predominantly patriarchal. this system placed significant power in the hands of family elders, particularly the male heads of households. relationships within this framework were defined through a rigid set of familial and social obligations, duties, and respect towards elders, creating a stable but stratified society.
the communist leadership, under mao zedong, saw these traditional structures as impediments to their revolutionary goals. they believed that allegiance to the family and the hierarchical structures endorsed by confucianism could undermine the absolute authority of the state. to consolidate their power, the communists aimed to break these traditional bonds and reforge the loyalties of the people to the state itself. this strategy was part of a broader effort to transform chinese society along marxist lines, emphasizing equality and state power over individual or familial ties.
the campaign against confucianism included various measures. educational reforms were introduced that taught loyalty to the communist party rather than to familial elders. propaganda was used to promote new social ideals that conflicted with confucian values. traditional practices and rituals that reinforced the old hierarchies were discouraged or outright banned. moreover, the communists promoted gender equality, challenging another cornerstone of confucian hierarchy that subordinated women to men.
by undermining these traditional values, the communist party aimed to create a governance structure where the state was the central authority in every individual's life, reducing the power of the family to contest or challenge the state's power. this shift was critical in enabling the communist regime to solidify its control over china, as it redirected loyalty and authority from the family unit to the governmental structure, thereby centralizing power and control.
in conclusion, the communist revolution's approach to consolidating power by destroying the family-centered values of confucianism was a strategic move to dismantle old power structures and ensure that the state held undivided authority and influence over the populace.
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