GULag history

The Gulag was a vast system of forced labor camps in the Soviet Union from the 1930s to the 1950s. It was created to punish political opponents and criminals, and to supply cheap labor for state projects. Prisoners endured harsh conditions, overwork, and mistreatment. The Gulag played a significant role in Soviet economic development but also caused immense suffering and loss of life. Its legacy highlights the oppressive measures used by the Soviet regime to control and discipline populations, reflecting broader themes of political repression during that era.