How did de-Stalinization help Khrushchev gain control of the Soviet government?

De-Stalinization allowed Nikita Khrushchev to consolidate power by distancing himself from Joseph Stalin's oppressive policies and promoting a more reformist agenda. This shift enabled him to appeal to party members and the general populace who were disillusioned with Stalin's regime, thereby gaining political support. By condemning Stalin’s excesses in his famous "Secret Speech" of 1956, Khrushchev positioned himself as a leader advocating for change, which helped him eliminate rivals and strengthen his authority within the Communist Party. Ultimately, de-Stalinization facilitated a more liberal environment that bolstered his leadership and control over the Soviet government.