I trust no one, not even myself. - Joseph Stalin
The Great Purge of 1937-1938 encompassed the entire Soviet Union and included all social classes. Its goal was to sweep away every one of Stalin's real and imaginary enemies and to infuse all levels of Soviet Society.
Brief Outlook
- First purge during Stalin era occurred from 1929-30. 10% of party members were purged.
- In 1932, a total of 1.9 million, which included 18% of party members were purged.
- During the ensuing Great Terror, which included the notorious show trials of Stalin’s former Bolshevik opponents in 1936-38 and reached its peak in 1937 and 1938. Millions of innocent Soviet citizens were sent off to labor camps or killed in prison.
- In 1932, a total of 1.9 million, which included 18% of party members were purged.
- During the ensuing Great Terror, which included the notorious show trials of Stalin’s former Bolshevik opponents in 1936-38 and reached its peak in 1937 and 1938. Millions of innocent Soviet citizens were sent off to labor camps or killed in prison.
We think that a powerful and vigorous movement is impossible without differences - "true conformity" is possible only in the cemetery. - Joseph Stalin
According to OV Khlevniuk, Stalin's exceptional role in the organization of this surge of terror is not in doubt , and confirmed by all the documents. There are hundreds of notes made by hand of Stalin, in which he demanded that the security officers to kill more and more. Some days Stalin sentenced to death more than 3,000 so-called enemies of the people .