Glossary

2.4 The Great Purge and the Reign of Terror

5 min read•august 13, 2024

The , a brutal campaign of repression in the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938, was orchestrated by Stalin to eliminate perceived enemies and tighten his grip on power. It targeted party members, officials, and ordinary citizens, resulting in millions of executions, imprisonments, and exiles.

The purge reshaped Soviet society, creating a culture of fear and conformity. While it initially strengthened Stalin's control, it also weakened the military and intelligentsia, leaving lasting scars on the nation's psyche and hampering its development for decades to come.

The Great Purge: Causes and Consequences

Stalin's Motivations and Targets

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  • The Great Purge, also known as the "," was a campaign of and persecution in the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938, orchestrated by to eliminate perceived enemies and consolidate his power
  • Causes of the Great Purge included Stalin's desire to eliminate potential rivals, his paranoia and fear of opposition, and his aim to create a more centralized and obedient society
  • The purges targeted various groups, including Communist Party members, government officials, military officers, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens, who were accused of being "enemies of the people," often based on fabricated charges

Consequences and Long-term Effects

  • Consequences of the Great Purge included the execution, imprisonment, or exile of millions of people, decimating the Soviet leadership and intelligentsia
  • The purges significantly weakened the Soviet military, as many experienced officers were removed, which would later impact the country's performance in World War II
  • The atmosphere of fear and suspicion created by the purges led to a culture of conformity and obedience, as people were afraid to express dissent or challenge the regime
  • The Great Purge had long-lasting effects on Soviet society, leaving a legacy of trauma, distrust, and political repression that continued to shape the country for decades

The NKVD's Role in the Purge

Investigation, Arrest and Interrogation Tactics

  • The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (), the Soviet secret police, played a central role in planning and executing the Great Purge under the leadership of
  • The NKVD was responsible for conducting investigations, arrests, interrogations, and trials of suspected "enemies of the people," often using torture and coercion to extract confessions
  • The secret police operated a vast network of informants and encouraged citizens to report on each other, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and fear
  • The NKVD oversaw the Gulag system, a network of forced labor camps where many purge victims were imprisoned and subjected to harsh conditions (, )

Show Trials and Disregard for Due Process

  • , such as the , were staged by the NKVD to publicly condemn and eliminate prominent figures accused of treason and conspiracy against the Soviet state
  • The NKVD's actions during the Great Purge were characterized by arbitrariness, brutality, and a disregard for due process, as people were often arrested and punished without evidence or fair trials
  • The fear instilled by the NKVD's activities led to self-censorship, conformity, and a reluctance to express dissent among the Soviet population, as people sought to avoid becoming targets of the purges
  • The NKVD's tactics created a climate of terror where even the innocent could be accused and punished based on mere suspicion or fabricated evidence (Zinoviev, Kamenev)

Impact of the Purge on Soviet Society

Reshaping the Soviet Leadership

  • The Great Purge significantly reshaped the Soviet leadership, as many high-ranking Communist Party members, government officials, and military officers were targeted, accused of disloyalty, and removed from their positions
    • Prominent figures such as , , and were arrested, subjected to show trials, and executed
    • The purges created a power vacuum that allowed Stalin to fill key positions with loyalists and consolidate his control over the party and state apparatus

Repression of the Intelligentsia

  • The Soviet intelligentsia, including writers, artists, scientists, and academics, faced severe repression during the purges, as they were often viewed as potential sources of dissent
    • Many intellectuals were arrested, imprisoned, or executed, while others were forced to conform to the state's ideology and produce works that glorified the regime (, )
    • The purges stifled creativity, free thought, and scientific progress, as intellectuals were pressured to adhere to the party line and avoid expressing critical or unconventional ideas

Impact on the General Population

  • The general population experienced the Great Purge through an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and the constant threat of denunciation and arrest
    • Ordinary citizens were encouraged to inform on their neighbors, colleagues, and even family members, creating a climate of distrust and suspicion
    • Many people lived in fear of being labeled as "enemies of the people" and faced the possibility of losing their jobs, homes, or lives
    • The purges disrupted social bonds and created a sense of isolation, as people were afraid to express their true thoughts and feelings to others

The Great Purge: Strengthening vs Weakening Stalin's Control

Short-term Consolidation of Power

  • The Great Purge initially strengthened Stalin's control over the Soviet Union by eliminating potential rivals, consolidating his power, and creating a more centralized and obedient political system
    • The removal of influential figures and the promotion of loyal Stalinists ensured that Stalin faced no significant opposition within the party and government
    • The purges instilled a culture of fear and conformity, making it difficult for anyone to challenge Stalin's authority or policies openly

Long-term Weaknesses and Consequences

  • However, the long-term effects of the Great Purge also weakened the Soviet Union in several ways, which may have undermined Stalin's control in the long run
    • The loss of experienced military officers during the purges weakened the Soviet armed forces, which became evident during the initial stages of World War II, when the country struggled against the German invasion
    • The purging of skilled professionals, such as engineers, scientists, and managers, hampered the country's economic development and technological progress
    • The atmosphere of fear and suspicion created by the purges eroded social trust and cohesion, making it difficult for people to cooperate and work together effectively

Legacy and Impact on Soviet Politics

  • While the Great Purge solidified Stalin's personal control in the short term, it also created structural weaknesses and societal trauma that would have lasting impacts on the Soviet Union, even after Stalin's death
  • The legacy of the purges continued to shape Soviet politics and society for decades, as subsequent leaders grappled with the consequences of Stalin's reign of terror and sought to distance themselves from his excesses while maintaining the system he had created (Khrushchev's "Secret Speech" denouncing Stalin's cult of personality in 1956)

Key Terms to Review (28)

1936-1938: The years 1936 to 1938 mark a period of intense political repression in the Soviet Union, commonly referred to as the Great Purge, during which Joseph Stalin orchestrated a widespread campaign against perceived enemies within the Communist Party and Soviet society. This era was characterized by mass arrests, show trials, and executions, leading to a climate of fear and paranoia that reshaped the political landscape of the country.
Class struggle: Class struggle refers to the ongoing conflict between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), over control of economic resources and political power. This concept is central to Marxist theory, which posits that history is driven by these conflicts, ultimately leading to revolutionary changes in society. In various historical contexts, class struggle has manifested in revolutions, purges, and social transformations that aim to reshape the power dynamics between these groups.
Communist sympathizers: Communist sympathizers were individuals or groups who supported the principles and goals of communism, often advocating for social equality and the redistribution of wealth. During the Great Purge and the Reign of Terror, these sympathizers were often perceived as threats to the stability of the Soviet state, leading to widespread persecution, imprisonment, or execution as part of the government’s efforts to eliminate dissent and consolidate power.
December 1934: December 1934 marks a pivotal moment in Soviet history when the assassination of Sergey Kirov, a prominent Bolshevik leader and ally of Joseph Stalin, occurred. This event is often seen as a catalyst for the Great Purge, which led to widespread political repression, show trials, and mass executions throughout the late 1930s. Kirov's murder was used by Stalin as a justification to eliminate perceived threats within the Communist Party and broader society, intensifying the atmosphere of fear and paranoia.
Depopulation of the intelligentsia: The depopulation of the intelligentsia refers to the systematic elimination and persecution of educated individuals, intellectuals, and cultural elites in the Soviet Union during the Great Purge. This process aimed to eradicate potential dissent and consolidate Stalin's power by removing those who could challenge the regime's ideology or authority. The targeting of the intelligentsia had profound implications for Soviet society, including a significant loss of cultural and intellectual resources.
Great Purge: The Great Purge was a campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union during the late 1930s, characterized by widespread arrests, executions, and forced labor camps targeting perceived enemies of the state. This brutal campaign was used by Joseph Stalin to consolidate power, eliminate dissent, and instill a climate of fear, heavily influencing the political landscape and social fabric of the Soviet Union during this tumultuous period.
Great Terror: The Great Terror, also known as the Great Purge, was a period of intense political repression in the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938, characterized by widespread purges, show trials, and mass arrests aimed at eliminating perceived enemies of the state. This era was marked by the targeting of Communist Party members, military leaders, and ordinary citizens, leading to hundreds of thousands being executed or sent to labor camps.
Grigory Zinoviev: Grigory Zinoviev was a prominent Bolshevik revolutionary and a key figure in the early Soviet government, serving as the head of the Communist International and a leading member of the Politburo. His close association with Lenin and role in the Bolshevik Party positioned him as a significant player during the power struggles following the Russian Revolution, particularly during the rise of Stalin and the establishment of a cult of personality around him. Zinoviev’s eventual downfall during the Great Purge highlighted the brutal political climate of the time, where former allies became enemies in the quest for power.
Joseph Stalin: Joseph Stalin was a Soviet political leader who led the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. His rule is marked by significant transformations in Soviet society through industrialization and collectivization, alongside brutal political repression. His policies and actions had lasting impacts on the USSR and the global stage, influencing events leading up to and during World War II.
Khrushchev's Secret Speech: Khrushchev's Secret Speech was a confidential address delivered by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev on February 25, 1956, during the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. In this speech, he denounced the policies and cult of personality surrounding Joseph Stalin, exposing the repressive measures taken during the Great Purge and calling for a reformation within the Communist Party. This speech marked a significant shift in Soviet politics as it acknowledged the excesses of Stalin's rule and aimed to initiate a process of de-Stalinization.
Kolyma: Kolyma refers to a region in the Russian Far East known for its harsh climate and as the site of some of the most notorious forced labor camps during Stalin's reign. The labor camps in Kolyma, often referred to as 'Gulag', became emblematic of the Great Purge and Reign of Terror, as they were used to imprison and exploit political dissidents, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens accused of anti-Soviet activities.
Lev Kamenev: Lev Kamenev was a prominent Bolshevik revolutionary and political leader in the early Soviet Union, known for his role in the October Revolution and as a key figure during the power struggle following Lenin's death. His political maneuvering and alliances, particularly with figures like Zinoviev, positioned him as an influential leader but ultimately led to his downfall as Stalin consolidated power. Kamenev's fate reflects the internal conflicts within the Communist Party and the extreme measures taken during Stalin's rise.
Mass arrests: Mass arrests refer to the large-scale detainment of individuals, often conducted by government authorities in response to perceived threats or dissent. This practice was prevalent during periods of political repression, especially during events like the Great Purge, where millions were rounded up, interrogated, and often executed or imprisoned. Mass arrests played a crucial role in instilling fear and consolidating power by eliminating opposition and suppressing dissenting voices.
Moscow Trials: The Moscow Trials were a series of political trials held in the Soviet Union during the late 1930s, primarily targeting members of the Communist Party and perceived enemies of Joseph Stalin. These trials were characterized by forced confessions, fabricated evidence, and were designed to consolidate Stalin's power while eliminating rivals, thus becoming a key aspect of the Great Purge and the culture of fear under Stalinism.
Nikolai Bukharin: Nikolai Bukharin was a prominent Soviet politician, economist, and a key member of the Bolshevik Party who played a significant role in the early years of the Soviet Union. He was known for his advocacy of the New Economic Policy (NEP) and was considered a leading intellectual figure during a time of intense political struggle. His opposition to Stalin's increasingly authoritarian regime ultimately led to his downfall during the Great Purge.
Nikolai Vavilov: Nikolai Vavilov was a prominent Soviet botanist and geneticist, renowned for his research on plant breeding and the origins of cultivated plants. He is best known for his extensive collection of plant seeds and for identifying centers of origin for various crops, which contributed significantly to agricultural science. His work was set against the backdrop of the Great Purge and the Reign of Terror, during which his scientific ideas clashed with the prevailing ideology, ultimately leading to his imprisonment and death.
Nikolai Yezhov: Nikolai Yezhov was a prominent Soviet politician and chief of the NKVD (People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs) during the height of the Great Purge from 1936 to 1938. He is infamously known for his role in intensifying the Reign of Terror under Joseph Stalin, overseeing mass arrests, executions, and the systematic elimination of perceived enemies of the state, including Party members, military leaders, and ordinary citizens.
NKVD: The NKVD, or People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, was the Soviet government's secret police and law enforcement agency from the late 1930s until the early 1950s. It played a central role during the Great Purge, carrying out mass arrests, executions, and deportations of perceived political enemies, thus instilling fear and suppressing dissent within the Soviet Union.
Osip Mandelstam: Osip Mandelstam was a prominent Russian poet, known for his innovative use of language and profound explorations of personal and political themes during the early 20th century. His work often reflected the cultural and social upheaval of his time, particularly during the Great Purge, leading to his persecution by the Soviet regime and eventual exile.
Political Purges: Political purges refer to the systematic removal of individuals deemed undesirable or disloyal from positions of power, often through coercive and violent means. These actions are typically implemented by authoritarian regimes to consolidate power and eliminate perceived threats, leading to widespread fear and oppression among the populace.
Political Repression: Political repression refers to the use of state power to suppress dissent, limit political freedoms, and control the actions of individuals or groups that challenge authority. This tactic is often employed by regimes to maintain control and eliminate opposition, particularly during periods of instability or transition, like during civil wars, purges, or shifts in leadership.
Purging of the party: The purging of the party refers to the systematic removal of perceived threats and opposition within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union during the Great Purge, which occurred from 1936 to 1938. This brutal campaign involved the arrest, exile, and execution of a significant number of party members, military leaders, and ordinary citizens, driven by Joseph Stalin's paranoia and desire for absolute control over the political landscape. The purges served to eliminate dissent and consolidate Stalin's power, reinforcing a climate of fear and repression throughout the Soviet Union.
Revolutionary Vigilance: Revolutionary vigilance refers to the constant state of awareness and readiness to defend the ideals of a revolution, often manifesting in actions taken against perceived threats or dissent. This concept was central during the Great Purge and the Reign of Terror, as the leadership sought to eliminate any opposition and maintain control through a culture of fear, suspicion, and ideological purity.
Show Trials: Show trials were public trials in the Soviet Union, especially under Stalin, that were designed to showcase the state's power and suppress dissent. These trials often involved fabricated evidence and coerced confessions, targeting political enemies and perceived threats to Stalin's regime. They played a crucial role in shaping public perception of justice while simultaneously reinforcing the cult of personality surrounding Stalin and instilling fear within the population.
Terror tactics: Terror tactics refer to the systematic use of fear, intimidation, and violence to control or manipulate a population. These methods were notably employed during periods of political repression, such as the Great Purge in the Soviet Union, where the government targeted perceived enemies to consolidate power and instill a culture of fear. Such tactics not only aimed at eliminating opposition but also sought to deter any dissent by showcasing the consequences of defying the regime.
Totalitarianism: Totalitarianism is a political system where the state holds absolute power and seeks to control every aspect of public and private life. This system often employs propaganda, censorship, and state violence to maintain authority and suppress dissent, creating an environment of fear and obedience among the populace.
Vorkuta: Vorkuta is a city in the Komi Republic of Russia, known primarily for its extensive coal mines and as a significant site of forced labor during the Stalin era. It became infamous as one of the major Gulag camps where political prisoners and common criminals were subjected to harsh conditions and grueling labor, especially during the Great Purge and the Reign of Terror.
Western Condemnation: Western condemnation refers to the strong disapproval and criticism from Western nations, particularly the United States and its European allies, regarding the repressive actions of authoritarian regimes. This term is closely tied to the events of the Great Purge and the Reign of Terror, as these periods were marked by extreme human rights abuses, political oppression, and state violence that drew widespread condemnation from Western governments and organizations.
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