Key facts and dates

The Great Terror, a period of intense political repression in the Soviet Union, began to wind down in late 1938, marking a shift in Stalin's approach to control. This timeline captures the critical events surrounding the end of mass terror and the fall of key figures like Nikolai Yezhov.

Timeline of key events

• Late 1938 – Stalin initiates de-escalation of mass terror, halting large-scale operations.
• November 1938 – Lavrenty Beria appointed as NKVD chief, replacing Yezhov.
• 1939 – Review of cases begins, with some prisoners released under restrictions.
• 1939 – Nikolai Yezhov arrested, blamed for the "excesses" of the terror.
• 1940 – Yezhov executed.
• Post-1939 – Terror continues in a more selective, controlled form rather than mass arrests.

The de-escalation of the Great Terror in 1938-1939

By late 1938, the Great Terror, a brutal campaign of mass arrests, purges, and executions that had gripped the Soviet Union since 1936, began to slow down. This period of de-escalation marked a significant shift in Soviet policy, as the scale of repression was reduced, though not entirely eliminated.

Signs of reversal in mass repression

• Halting mass operations - In late 1938, Stalin ordered the cessation of large-scale purge operations, which had previously targeted vast numbers of perceived enemies across society.
• Review of cases - Some convictions were re-examined, leading to a limited number of releases, though many freed individuals faced restrictions like the "minus 6" rule, barring them from living in major cities.
• Release of prisoners - A small proportion of those arrested during the height of the terror were allowed to return to society, often under strict conditions, indicating a partial retreat from indiscriminate repression.

Stalin's recognition of the counterproductive nature of mass terror

The decision to de-escalate was not driven by a sudden change of heart but by a pragmatic assessment of the terror's impact. Stalin began to see that the relentless purges were causing more harm than good to the Soviet state and his own objectives.

Negative consequences of the Great Terror

• Economic disruption - The mass arrests and executions of skilled workers, managers, and engineers led to chaos in industries and agriculture, hampering production and economic stability.
• Destruction of expertise - The loss of experienced military officers, scientists, and administrators weakened the Soviet Union's capacity to function effectively, especially with the looming threat of international conflict.
• Popular exhaustion - The pervasive fear and uncertainty exhausted the population, reducing morale and productivity, and fostering resentment rather than loyalty to the regime.

The fall and scapegoating of NKVD chief Nikolai Yezhov

Nikolai Yezhov, the head of the NKVD (People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, the Soviet secret police) from 1936 to 1938, had been the chief architect of the Great Terror's most brutal phase, often referred to as the "Yezhovshchina". However, by late 1938, he became a convenient target for blame as Stalin sought to distance himself from the terror's excesses.

Key events in Yezhov's fall

• Loss of power in 1938 - As de-escalation began, Yezhov was sidelined, losing Stalin's favour as the terror's negative impacts became undeniable.
• Arrest in 1939 and execution in 1940 - Yezhov was arrested, accused of espionage and orchestrating excessive purges without Stalin's approval, and ultimately executed, serving as a scapegoat for policies he had implemented under Stalin's direct orders.
• Pattern of discarding secret police chiefs - Stalin had previously removed Genrikh Yagoda, Yezhov's predecessor, in a similar manner, ensuring that no NKVD leader could accumulate enough power to challenge him.

The appointment of Lavrenty Beria and shifts in terror tactics

In November 1938, Lavrenty Beria replaced Yezhov as head of the NKVD, marking a new phase in Soviet repression. Beria, a Georgian like Stalin, was known for both his ruthlessness and his organisational skills, which contrasted with Yezhov's more chaotic approach.

Beria's role and changes in repression

• Background and characteristics - As a fellow Georgian, Beria shared a cultural connection with Stalin; his reputation for efficiency and brutality made him a suitable choice to reorganise the NKVD.
• Shift to selective terror - Under Beria, terror became more targeted, focusing on specific groups or individuals deemed threats, rather than the random, widespread purges of the Yezhov era.
• Continued repression - While the scale of terror decreased, it did not end; Beria oversaw controlled campaigns of intimidation and elimination, ensuring Stalin's grip on power without the economic and social chaos of mass purges.

The lasting impact on the Communist Party and Stalin's consolidation of power

The end of the Great Terror did not signify the end of fear or repression in the Soviet Union, but it did reshape the Communist Party and solidify Stalin's dominance. By 1939, the purges had transformed the political landscape, creating a new elite entirely loyal to Stalin.

Transformation of the Communist Party

• New party composition - By 1939, the majority of party members had joined after 1929, meaning they owed their positions and careers entirely to Stalin, ensuring their unwavering loyalty.
• Elimination of rivals - The purges had removed all potential challengers to Stalin's authority, from old Bolsheviks to military leaders, leaving no significant opposition within the party or state.
• Climate of fear - The terror instilled a lasting atmosphere of dread within the party apparatus, with members terrified into submission, knowing that dissent could lead to arrest or worse.

Stalin's absolute power

• Consolidation of control - Through the terror and its aftermath, Stalin achieved absolute power, creating a system where every level of government and society was dependent on his will.
• Limited rehabilitation - While some victims were released, posthumous rehabilitations were rare until after Stalin's death under Khrushchev, reflecting the regime's reluctance to fully acknowledge the scale of injustice.
• Legacy of terror - Even as mass operations ceased, the mechanisms of fear and control remained, ensuring that Stalin's authority faced no serious threat in the years that followed.