JOSEPH STALIN'S PURGE

INTRORUCTION

• What- The eradication of all internal "threat" to communist Russia organized by Stalin
• When- 1936-1938(although government sanctioned violence occurred all throughout Stalin's reign)
• Where- Soviet Russia

WHO & WHY

• Those Impacted- Anyone who was "dangerous" to the stability of the government. Often including Stalin's own political staff.
• Reasons- Stalin wanted to assert his power and maintain a state of fear and uncertainty in the USSR

RESPONSES

• Global- They were widely denounced and used to show the dangers of communism.
• Organization and Individuals- It was too dangerous to speak out against Stalin in Russia

SIGNIFICANCE

• Why should we care? It represents the dangers of what can happen when you limit personal freedom
• Many died due to unjust trials
• In the span of 1936-1938 1.2 million people died
• Stalin's reign(1924-53) 20 million people killed *excluding wartime casualties

ACTION

• More information- appreciate free speech
• Action- Educate yourself and others
• Don't let others forget that it happened