The document summarizes key events of the Great Purge in the Soviet Union from 1929 to 1937. It describes Stalin solidifying his power after Trotsky was exiled in 1927 and expelled from the country in 1929. It then discusses Stalin introducing collectivization plans that faced opposition from critics like Zinoviev and Kamenev. Next, it outlines the murder of Kirov in 1934 that led to show trials where former party leaders seen as threats, including Kamenev and Zinoviev, were convicted and executed. Finally, it mentions the period of widespread state terror and repression known as Yezhovshchina from 1937.

1. Red guard unit of the Vulkan factory in Petrograd
Viktor Karlovich Bulla, 1938
THE GREAT PURGE

2. 1929
Following death of Lenin, struggle for power and for
future of revolutionary socialism between Stalin and
Trotsky. Stalin’s dominance was established as Trotsky
was exiled to Central Asia in 1927 and expelled from
the Soviet Union in 1929
1933
Stalin introduced the first of a series of Five Year
Plans and forced collectivization which provoked
opposition from some internal party critics such
as Zinoviev and Kamenev
1934
Murder of Sergei Kirov led to a series of
purges, enemies of the state’ were brought to
trial. Victims included prominent party
leaders and former leaders who were seen as
a threat to Stalin’s power.
1936
In first show trial – Kamenev and Zinoviev and
fourteen others were accused of terrorist
activities (including plotting to kill Stalin),
convicted and shot
1937
The Yezhovshchina: period of widespread
state terror –large numbers of people
suffered random arrest, imprisonment in
the Gulag or execution
The Great Purge Events