The Use Of Terror Flashcards
When did the purges begin?
In 1932 but became more violent in 1934. It led to the death of millions of soviet people.
How and why did Stalin purge people?
He used the secret police (NKVD) and purged people who held up, criticised or oppressed his plans such as collectivisation or industrialisation.
Who were the first victims of the first purge?
The first victims were managers and workers accused of wrecking the first 5 year plan. Kulaks also were accused of opposition to collectivisation.
Who were targeted later in the purges?
People such as artists, musicians, writers, administrators and scientists were accused of acts against the state.
What were the punishments of the purges?
Execution or hard Labour
What were the reasons for purges?
There were a number of reasons:
Stalin wanted to protect his position and was paranoid that people were trying to overthrow him
It is believed by some people that Stalin did start it but couldn’t control the effects at a local level as unscrupulous people used their power to get rid of rivals
Stalin used the purges so he can have forced and free labour needed to make Russia a superpower
He thought the leading army officers were spying for Japan and Germany so 30,000 officers were just killed which was 50%.
He suffered from a persecution complex
History of the secret police
Cheka was renamed to OGPU in 1923 then NKVD in 1934
Stalin used it as a method of control
He expanded the secret police and increased it’s powers so they can arrest people without charge or trial. People were encouraged to inform including children. More than a million were people were arrested during 37-38 and about a half of them were shot.
Where were victims sent?
Victims were sent to labour camps called gulags. They were run by the secret police and expected to do hard labour.
When did the show trials begin?
In 1936.
What were the purpose of the show trials?
He used them to kill off his rivals such as Kamenev and Zinoviev. He accused them and other old members of plotting against Stalin. He forced them to confess and would then execute them. These helped create an atmosphere of fear.
Consequences of the purges
It enabled him to remove his opposition and potential rivals and total control over the country. However there were millions of people dead. The removal of officers for example nearly made Russia lose against Germany in ww2.
