Show Trials and the Great Purges
- Stalin feared being overthrown or having a counter-revolution
- Would always use the fact that someone is trying to get ride of communism.
- Basically the same as treason
- He formed a secret police called the NKVD to remove threats
- Old heroes of the revolution or anyone with popular support charged with treason (Seen as threats)
- 1 in 5 officers of the army executed
- Because they had support
- Often put on trial "Show Trials" forced to admit they had done it (Under Dress)
"If our generation has proven to be too weak to establish socialism on this earth, we will give its unstained banner to our children. The struggle which looms ahead by far supersedes the significance of individual people, factions and parties. It is a struggle for the future of all humanity. It will be severe. It will be long. Whoever seeks physical repose and spiritual comfort - let him step aside. During times of reaction it is easier to lean on the bureaucracy than on the truth. But for all those for whom socialism is not an empty phrase but the content of their moral life - forward! Neither threats, nor persecution, nor violence will stop us. Perhaps it will be on our bones, but the truth will triumph. We are paving the way for it, and the truth will be victorious. Under the terrible blows of fate I will feel as happy as during the best days of my youth if I can join you in facilitating its victory. For, my friends, the highest human happiness lies not in the exploitation of the present, but in the preparation of the future."
- Trotsky
- Trotsky