How did the government in Fahrenheit 451 gain control of this society?

The government
in Farenheit 451 gained control over the society by slowly and
strategically limiting the public's right to think for themselves. This was slyly done under the
auspice of promoting equality and political correctness, urging others to conform.

One of the largest ways that the government "leveled the playing field" of
the public mind was by banning certain books. This was made palatable to people through the
introduction of mass media, sports, and other forms of entertainment that would draw people away
from critical thinking and intellectual dialogues. As modern life sped up and became full of
opportunities for distraction, books were abridged and then eventually burned.

Ultimately, this movement toward total authority was not difficult, as people were all
too willing to give up their power.