Stalin’s Purges and Show Trials Flashcards

What were Stalin's purges?

A campaign in the 1930s when Stalin removed real or imagined enemies. Many people were arrested, expelled, or shot.

Which event in 1934 did Stalin use to start the purges?

The murder of Sergei Kirov in December 1934.

Who were the NKVD and what did they do in the purges?

Stalin's secret police. They made arrests, forced confessions, and carried out executions.

What were the Moscow Show Trials?

Public trials in 1936-1938 where leading Bolsheviks gave forced confessions in staged cases.

Name two leading Bolsheviks tried in the Show Trials.

Grigori Zinoviev and Lev Kamenev.

How were confessions often obtained in the Show Trials?

By torture, threats to family, and lack of sleep.

What is meant by the Great Terror and when did it happen?

The most intense phase of the purges, mainly in 1937-1938.

How did the purges affect the Red Army?

Many officers were shot or jailed, which weakened the army.

What crimes did the Show Trials say the accused had done?

Treason, spying for foreign powers, sabotage, and plotting with Trotsky.

What usually happened to people found 'guilty' in the purges?

They were shot or sent to labour camps.

What does the term Yezhovshchina refer to?

The 1937-1938 purge under NKVD chief Nikolai Yezhov, marked by mass arrests and killings.

How did the purges change the Communist Party?

Many old Bolsheviks were removed and replaced by younger, loyal officials.

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