Saddam Hussein’s Rule and Methods of Control Flashcards

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Who was Saddam Hussein and when did he become leader of Iraq?

Saddam Hussein was the dictator of Iraq. He became president in 1979 and ruled until 2003.

What was the Ba'ath Party and how did it help Saddam control Iraq?

The Ba'ath Party was the only legal ruling party in Iraq. Saddam used it to put loyal members in key jobs, so the party controlled the government, army and police.

How did Saddam use elections to keep his power?

Elections under Saddam were not free. He fixed the votes so he always won by huge margins and there was no real choice of other parties or leaders.

What was the role of Saddam’s secret police (Mukhabarat)?

The secret police spied on people, listened for criticism and arrested suspects. Their use of torture and fear stopped people speaking out or organising against Saddam.

How did Saddam use the army and Republican Guard to stay in control?

Saddam kept the army under close watch and put family members in top posts. He also created the Republican Guard, an elite, well-paid force that was loyal to him and crushed revolts and coups.

What is meant by a ‘cult of personality’ around Saddam Hussein?

A cult of personality is when a leader is shown as a hero who can do no wrong. Saddam filled towns with his pictures and statues and made the media praise him all the time to make people obey and admire him.

How did censorship help Saddam keep control in Iraq?

Saddam controlled newspapers, radio and TV. Censors removed any criticism, so only his version of events reached the public.

How did Saddam use rewards and jobs to gain loyalty?

Saddam gave money, good jobs, houses and cars to loyal supporters, especially from his own Sunni Arab group and tribe. People feared losing these rewards if they did not back him.

What happened at the 1979 Ba'ath Party meeting that showed Saddam’s methods of control?

Soon after becoming president, Saddam called a party meeting and accused some members of plotting against him. Many were arrested during the meeting and later executed, which warned others not to oppose him.

How did Saddam use schools and youth groups to strengthen his rule?

School books praised Saddam and the Ba'ath Party. Youth groups taught children to love the leader and report anyone who criticised him, helping to spread loyalty from a young age.

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