The Red Terror

The Red Terror refers to a campaign of political repression and violence in Russia from 1918 to 1922, initiated by the Bolsheviks after the Russian Revolution. Aimed at eliminating perceived enemies and counter-revolutionaries, it involved mass arrests, executions, and the use of secret police (Cheka). The campaign targeted dissenters, former officials, and anyone suspected of opposing the Bolshevik regime. It was part of the broader civil unrest and conflict during the Russian Civil War. The Red Terror left a lasting impact on Soviet society and is often controversial in discussions about revolutionary justice and state violence.