Mao only served as Chairman in the 1950s but most sources still say he was absolute ruler over all of China from 1949 until his death. How true is this fact and how was he able to maintain absolute power, like an Emperor?
From what I can remember from my Asian history class half a geologic age ago, Mao emerged as the primary military and political leader of the Chinese Communist Party prior to World War II. (At least going by Wikipedia, it looks like the turning point was the Zunyi Conference of 1935.) During World War II, from what I understand, he became a kind of legendary figure, given that he and the Communists formed the most effective resistance against the Japanese. So, really, getting the official title of Chairman was more a formality than anything else. Does that answer your question?