During the great terror why did so many communist officials make accusations against other communists
During the Great Terror in the Soviet Union, which took place from approximately 1936 to 1938, many communist officials did indeed make accusations against their fellow comrades. There were several reasons contributing to this phenomenon:
1. Purging political opponents: Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, used the Great Terror as an opportunity to consolidate his power and eliminate any potential threats or political opponents within the Communist Party. By encouraging officials to denounce each other, he created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia where loyalty to Stalin was paramount.
2. Pressure to conform: Communist officials were subjected to intense pressure to conform and prove their allegiance to the party and its leader. Accusing others became a way to show their commitment and loyalty, as well as distance themselves from any perceived disloyalty.
3. Fear of being accused: In an atmosphere of suspicion and fear, officials were often terrified of being accused themselves. It became a matter of self-preservation to preemptively accuse others, hoping to divert attention away from themselves and avoid becoming a target.
4. Desire for advancement: The Great Terror offered opportunities for advancement within the party, as vacant positions created by purges needed to be filled. By accusing others, officials hoped to position themselves favorably and climb the party hierarchy. This was particularly relevant for ambitious individuals seeking to secure their own power and influence.
5. Torture and coercion: It is important to note that many of the accusations were obtained through coercion and torture. Stalin's secret police, the NKVD, used brutal interrogation techniques to force confessions and implicate others, further fueling the cycle of accusations.
Overall, the Great Terror created an atmosphere of suspicion, fear, and ruthless competition within the Communist Party, leading many officials to accuse others in an attempt to safeguard their own positions or advance their careers.