Attacks on opps of gov Flashcards
What did the Cheka do
Why was Cheka introduced
Introduced 1917 to target counter revolutionaries (‘a short term measure’ until communists consolidated power)
Targeted:
- Supporters of former Tsar
- Trade unions demanding higher pay for workers
- Socialists who were in rival parties
Before 1921 what were some of the Chekas activities
- requisitioning grain during Civil War
- Closing down opposition papers
- Executing opponents of regime
- Executing deserters of Red Army
Who did the Cheka target after NEP
- Traders who became rich (class enemies, taking advantage of free trade)
- Women who wore western clothes and makeup
- Young people dancing to western music (Jazz)
What was the role of Yagoda?
Head of Stalins secret police 1934
Collaborated with Stalin in turning the secret police against the party
But Yagoda secret police officials tended to treat communist officials with respect
Stalins purge of opponents much slower
Stalin critical of Yagodas leadership
What is the role of Yezhov?
Responsible for escalation of terror and the worst years of great terror 1936-38
Replaced Yagodas agents with new officers willing to use torture
What did the Great Terror become known as and why
‘Yezhovschina’ engulfed in Yezhovs Terror
Around 1.5M 10% of male population arrested by NVKD
650,000 of these were deported and over 680,000 were executed
What were the Moscow Show Trials?
Each trial removed one of the party’s factions which opposed Stalin
Trial of the 16 organised by yagoda 1936 - Execution of Zinoviev and allies
Trial of the 17 organised by Yezhov 1937 - execution and imprisonment of Trotsky’s main supporters
Trial of the 21 organised by Beria 1938 -execution of Bukharin and his former allies including Yagoda
Who was Beria?
Took over secret police in 1938
During WW2 organised mass deportations and executions of ethnic groups whom Stalin did not trust (Chechens)
After WW2 put in charge of Soviet efforts to build a nuclear bomb (very successful first bomb tested 1949)
