Show trials and the Great Purges
- Stalin feared being overthrown or having a counter-revolution
- He formed a secret police called the NKVD to remove threat
- Old heroes of the revolution or anyone with popular support charged with treason (Seen as threats)
- 1 in 5 officers of the army executed
- Often put on trail "show trails" forced to admit they had done it (under duress)
NKVD
Summary
Since Stalin feared that he would be overthrown he created the NKVD as police officers to remove any threats to him. Many executed, put on show trails, and charged with treason.
Questions?
What would have happened if Stalin did not create the NKVD? Would he have been overthrown?