Gulags
Definition
The Gulag was a system of forced labor camps established during Joseph Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union. It is estimated that millions of people were imprisoned in these camps.
Analogy
Imagine being sent to detention for minor infractions at school, but instead of sitting quietly in a room, you're made to do hard physical labor. That's somewhat like what the Gulag system was, but on a much larger and harsher scale.
Related terms
Joseph Stalin: The leader of the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death in 1953 who implemented policies that led to industrialization and collectivization but also caused widespread famine and political repression.
Collectivization: A policy implemented by Communist leaders to eliminate individual farms and replace them with large state-owned farms or collective farms.
Political Repression: The act of a state entity controlling a citizenry by force for political reasons, particularly for the purpose of restricting or preventing their ability to take part in the political life of society.
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