The Great Purge

The Great Purge was a campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938, initiated by Joseph Stalin. It involved the arrest, imprisonment, and execution of countless individuals, including Communist Party members, military leaders, and everyday citizens suspected of being disloyal or opposing Stalin's regime. The purge aimed to eliminate perceived threats to Stalin's power and consolidate his control over the country. Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands were executed or sent to labor camps during this period, creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust that affected Soviet society deeply.