What were the systematic step wich napoleon took to gain control+dominate animal farm?

What Steps did Napoleon take to Dominate Animal Farm Napoleon domination of Animal Farm stems from his singular ability to control the minds and thoughts of other animals on the farm in collusion with Squealer. This can be considered the only overreaching step which Napoleon was required to take in getting total control over the workings of the farm. Of course there were other smaller steps like winning arguments by force and creating a team of attack dogs to do his bidding for him, but nothing stands out as much as his ability and success in taking over the thought process of other animals.
For example, when the power struggle between Napoleon and Snowball was underway, it was Snowball who suggested that a windmill should be created for the farm and Napoleon opposed the idea. When Snowball was chased away from the farm by Napoleon’s attack dogs, he was free to assume total control of the farm’s management. Later on, he convinced the other animals through Squealer that it was Napoleon who originally recommended the creation of the windmill and Snowball had stolen the idea from him as mentioned on page 71, “Here Squealer looked very sly. That, he said, was Comrade Napoleons cunning. He had seemed to oppose the windmill, simply as a maneuver to get rid of Snowball”
Napoleon was able to further convince the animals that he was most suited to make decisions about the farm’s future and instead of common meetings; decisions would be made by committee of pigs under Napoleon as mentioned on page 68 “The animals would still assemble on Sunday mornings to salute the flag, sing Beasts of England, and receive their orders for the week; but there would be no more debates”. Squealer works as his voice and his tool when it comes to passing his decree and he is able to twist words and convince the animals to accept Comrade Napoleon’s version of events quite nicely.
For example, when they were presented the events of the battle, Squealer made clever use of words and Napoleon out to be the hero. Napoleon was awarded a medal of honor for his bravery even though he did not take part in the fight at all. Squealer also convinced other animals that Napoleon was not taking up the leadership role for any selfish motive, he says on page 69, “I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labor upon himself. Do not imagine, comrades, that leadership is a pleasure!”
To get complete control over the farm, Napoleon also goes about killing those animals who grumble against him saying that they were conspiring with Snowball. In the meantime, he gets greater control over the minds of the animals with the change in their anthem as well as a new tune for Boxer who keeps saying that Napoleon is always right. In fact, on page 126, Napoleon reminds other animals of Boxer’s dictums, “Napoleon ended his speech with a reminder of Boxers two favorite maxims, “I will work harder” and “Comrade Napoleon is always right”-maxims, he said, which every animal would do well to adopt as his own”. Such a method gives little chance for any lesser animals to argue with Napoleon regarding any decision he makes.
Throughout the time Napoleon is increasing his control over the farm, Squealer functions as his right hand pig. He justifies each change and keeps promising a better future under the guidance of Comrade Napoleon if the animals only worked harder. The history of events is distorted to make sure that Napoleon is represented in the best of light while Snowball and others do not get the honor they deserved.
For example on page 107, they are told that Snowball’s honors were falsified “The animals now also learned that Snowball had never-as many of them had believed hitherto-received the order of “Animal Hero, First Class.” This was merely a legend which had been spread some time after the Battle of the Cowshed by Snowball himself”. On page 119 Snowball is accused of actually siding with the enemy during the battle. The groundwork for this had been laid earlier on page 70 when Squealer told the animals that, “”Loyalty and obedience are more important. And as to the Battle of the Cowshed, I believe the time will come when we shall find that Snowballs part in it was much exaggerated”.
The seven commandments are slowly altered and the spirit of the revolution is killed off to be replaced by a kingdom under the rule of Napoleon. In fact, Napoleon is so successful in his campaign of changing history and controlling the minds of the animals that even though they are cold, underfed and overworked, with privileges and luxury reserved for the pigs; the animals think that they are better off under the rule of Napoleon than they had ever been with Mr. Jones in charge.
Word Count: 836
Works Cited
Orwell, George. Animal Farm. New York: Penguin, 1956.