9.1 And 9.2 The Purges and 9.3 consequences of the purges Flashcards
Overview:
In the 1930s, Stalin established the most effective and ruthless dictatorship of the 20th century.
Purges of Stalin’s critics lead to the death of millions in the Soviet Union, which the use of the secret police and labour camps played a key part.
Show trials of his main political rivals were also a key feature of the purges in 1936-38
When did the purges begin
1932
What were the purges?
Stalin used the secret police to purge anyone who opposed his plans for collectivisation and industrialisation.
Who were the main victims of the purges in the beginning
The first victims were :
the managers and workers accused of sabotaging the 5 year plan.
The kulaks who opposed to collectivisation
What happened in 1928 + what warning did it serve
55 Engineers were put on trial and accused of sabotage
This was a sign of what to expect from Stalin
If people didn’t step into line they would be removed
What key event happened in 1936
The show trials of the old Bolsheviks.
When and why did Stalin halt the purges
1938
They were getting out. Of hand —> blamed secret police —> secret police was purged to remove all knowledge of what happened
Why did threats to Stalin’s position lead to the purges
Stalin was concerned that his enemies were plotting against him.
He wanted to remove anyone who posed a threat to him and could form an alternate government
Why do some people believe that Stalin is not completely responsible for the purges ?
Once the purges started they were difficult to stop
Stalin started them but lost control when they were used by people to get rid of rivals or those in a superior position
How Did economic policies link to the reasons for the purges
Stalin thought he was the only person who could transform the Soviet Union into a modern country
Anyone who tried to stop him was a traitor
Sending people to labour camps (from the purges) was the only way to get a mass labour force for these industrial projects
Failure to achieve targets of 5 year plan could be blamed on sabotage rather than faults in the plan
What is persecution complex
Stalin was suffering from persecution complex where he thought everyone was plotting against him.
Why were the show trials beneficial for Stalin
He was able to openly remove any well known Bolsheviks or rivals to his leadership
By the time of the last major show trial Stalin had no credible opponents who could challenge his position
explain the Consequence of the purges on the army.
The removal of so many officers in the army caused great disruption
This almost lead to defeat against Germany when hitlers army invaded
How did the purges affect the industry
The purges undermined Stalin’s earlier work on building up the industry —> able scientists and engineers were arrested —> this affected the quality of what was being produced
How did people take advantage of the purges
People took advantage to denounce workmates to get their jobs
All trust disappeared
