Lavrentiy Beria
Definition
Lavrentiy Beria was a Georgian Bolshevik and chief of the Soviet security under Joseph Stalin. He played major roles in purges during Stalin’s reign.
Analogy
Imagine Beria as a strict head security officer at an event who is known for his ruthless methods to maintain order. His main job is ensuring no one breaks any rules set by his boss (Stalin) even if it means using harsh measures.
Related terms
Great Purge: A campaign led by Stalin to purge the Communist Party of people accused of corruption or treachery; Beria played a key role in carrying out these purges.
NKVD: The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, a law enforcement agency of the Soviet Union that directly executed the rule of power of the All Union Communist Party. Beria was its longest-serving chief.
Gulag: A system of forced labor camps established during Joseph Stalin's long reign as dictator of the Soviet Union. The word 'Gulag' is an acronym for Glavnoe Upravlenie Lagerei, or Main Camp Administration. Beria oversaw this system.
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