Soviet Union leader Vladimir Lenin, head of the Bolshevikparty, died in 1924. Stalin had to fight his way to political succession, but ultimately declared himself dictator in 1929. Upon Stalin… See more

The first event of the Great Terror took place in 1934 with the assassination of Sergei … See more

Kirov’s death led to three widely publicized trials that successfully wiped out many of Stalin’s political rivals and critics. Several former high-ranking Communists, including Lev Kamen… See more

Stalin used terms, such as “fifth column,” “enemy of the people” and “saboteurs” to describe those who were sought out during the Great Purge. The killing and imprisonme… See more

There’s no doubt the brutal tactics of Stalin paralyzed the country and promoted a climate of widespread terror. Some victims claimed they would rather have been killed than sent t… See more