Last time we spoke about the Wehrmacht. In the tumultuous aftermath of World War I, Germany faced chaos and despair. The Weimar Republic, promising democracy and reform, struggled amid food shortages and inflation, leading to unrest. Amidst this turmoil, Adolf Hitler emerged, captivating those disillusioned by the republic’s failures. His initial coup attempt in 1923 failed, but through a trial transformed him into a national figure. As economic conditions deteriorated, Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers' Party gained traction, exploiting the desperate populace’s need for hope. By 1933, clever political maneuvers led to his appointment as Chancellor. Soon after, the Reichstag Fire allowed him to enact measures that suspended civil liberties and dismantled democracy. With military rearmament plans in motion, Hitler defied international treaties, expanding aggressively into territories like the Rhineland and Austria. By 1938, emboldened by perceived weaknesses from Western powers, he seized the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, setting in motion a series of conquests that would plunge Europe into World War II.

This episode is Prelude #5 Stalin’s Purges

Well hello there, welcome to the Easter Front week by week podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800’s until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.

Over the past episodes we basically covered how World War One dramatically changed Germany and the nations that made up the Soviet Union. The Russian empire certainly underwent a dramatic amount of change in a very short period of time. But even prior to the Revolution, there were significant efforts to enhance industrial capacity within the Tsar’s Empire. These initiatives often faced challenges from established social interests and a shortage of capital. Just as conditions began to improve, World War One erupted, ultimately leading to the Empire’s collapse. Lenin aimed to transform society while boosting the production capabilities of the nascent USSR. However, this endeavor was hindered by infighting among the party elite and the ongoing civil war. Stalin, aware of the frailties in Soviet industry before he assumed power, was determined to address these issues once he solidified his leadership of the party and the nation. He initiated a series of programs inspired by an earlier proposal from Trotsky, which came to be known as the Five-Year Plans. The initiatives were to be supported by the full strength of Stalin's emerging terror regime, with the initial purges aimed at eliminating dissidents and those considered politically unreliable from the central planning committee.

Joseph Stalin's First Five-Year Plan, launched in 1928, aimed to transform the Soviet Union from an agrarian society into an industrial superpower. The plan emphasized rapid industrialization, particularly in heavy industries such as steel, coal, and machinery, to increase production and modernize the economy. Key components of the plan included collectivization of agriculture, which sought to consolidate individual farms into large, state-controlled enterprises. This move aimed to boost agricultural output and supply food for the growing urban workforce. However, the policy faced significant resistance from peasants, leading to widespread hardship, famine, and social unrest. The plan set ambitious production targets, often unrealistic, and relied heavily on central planning. The Soviet government mobilized resources through state control, labor camps, and harsh measures to enforce compliance. The propaganda machine promoted achievements, showcasing progress through grandiose claims of output increases.

In 1929, the program was expanded to include the collectivization and mechanization of agriculture. By the end of 1932, the targets of the plan were claimed to have been achieved. While the Soviet Union had undoubtedly made significant strides in industrial capacity, numerous sacrifices were made to accomplish these objectives. The subsequent famine was attributed to the plan's failures in sustaining agricultural production effectively. Millions perished during this famine, yet Stalin touted his achievements. The USSR reported increases in coal production by 84%, oil by 90%, steel by 37%, and electricity by an astonishing 168%. These enhancements laid the groundwork for the capacity the Soviet Union depended on in the approaching war, a fact that Stalin emphasized even then.

Joseph Stalin's Second Five-Year Plan, which ran from 1932 to 1937, aimed to further develop the Soviet economy through rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture. Building on the foundation laid by the First Five-Year Plan, the second plan focused on modernizing various sectors, particularly heavy industry, steel production, and infrastructure. One of the plan's notable achievements was the dramatic increase in steel production, which rose by nearly 200% during this period. This was a significant improvement compared to the 37% increase achieved in the First Five-Year Plan. The plan also prioritized the production of machinery, vehicles, and consumer goods, though the latter was often neglected in favor of heavy industry. In agriculture, the collectivization efforts intensified, leading to the consolidation of individual farms into large, state-managed collectives. This shift aimed to increase efficiency and output but resulted in widespread resistance from peasants, leading to harsh reprisals and significant social disruption. Overall agricultural output grew more slowly than expected; for instance, while oil production expanded by 90% during the first plan, it only rose by about 37% in the second.

The Second Five-Year Plan was marked by ambitious goals and significant successes, but it also faced challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, planning difficulties, and harsh working conditions. Despite these issues, the industrial base established during this period played a crucial role in enabling the Soviet Union to withstand the early years of World War II. Consequently, while the plan's achievements contributed to the USSR's transformation into an industrial power, the social and economic costs were significant, highlighting the complexities of Stalin's policies during this critical era in Soviet history. Without the production capacity developed during these years, it is questionable whether the Soviet Union could have endured the early phases of World War II. The country had the geographical natural defenses and manpower reserves that allowed the Red Army to sustain millions of casualties. However, it was the industrial foundation established by these plans that enabled the Soviet Union to re-equip the Red Army after the devastating losses of 1941. While we cannot rigorously speculate about an alternate history where Germany emerged victorious, it is clear that the significance of the five-year plans on the upcoming war cannot be overstated.

The driving force behind the Five-Year plans was not only political determination but also technical expertise, which needed to be sourced from abroad. Engineers and businesspeople from Germany, France, Britain, and the United States were invited to enter contracts for factory construction. They also provided the Soviet government with licenses for designs encompassing everything from tractors to lathes to diesel engines. By 1930, a total of 104 technical assistance contracts had been established, with most focusing on metallurgical and chemical technologies, vital components of a modern economy. Alongside know-how, procuring actual equipment was essential. In 1932, the Soviet Union imported about 90% of the machinery exported from the UK. A Cleveland engineering firm even designed and constructed a large steel plant in Magnitogorsk to compete with the renowned US Steel facility in Gary, Indiana. This capacity to acquire equipment, designs, and technical support from international sources was pivotal to the industrial growth outlined in the Five-Year plans.

In 1930, the Red Army was still grappling with growing pains and uncertainty among its leadership. A modernization initiative had been launched in 1928, but progress had been sluggish, partly due to the dire condition of the nation’s industry. The Five-Year Plans aimed to address this issue. As the first plan reached maturity, Adolf Hitler ascended to power in Germany, making no secret of his disdain for the Soviet Union. One has to look no further than Adolf Hitler's “Mein Kampf”, written during his imprisonment in 1924. The document basically outlined his political ideology and future plans for Germany. His views on communism, Slavs, and the Soviet Union are central themes in this work, reflecting his extremism and legitimizing his later policies. Hitler regarded communism as a significant threat to Germany and Western civilization. He associated communism with Jewish influence, portraying it as a conspiracy led by Jewish intellectuals aiming to undermine national and racial identities. He believed that communism would lead to societal decay and chaos, promoting the idea that it had already caused destruction in Russia. Hitler viewed the 1917 Russian Revolution, which established a Bolshevik regime, as a manifestation of this threat, interpreting it as both an ideological and racially motivated assault on the so-called Aryan race. He dismissed communism as a "parasitic entity" that fed on social unrest and economic instability. For Hitler, the struggle against communism was also a struggle for the survival of the Aryan race, and he stressed the need for a unified, racially pure nation to combat it.

Hitler's attitudes towards Slavs were deeply rooted in his racist ideology. In his worldview, Slavs were considered inferior races, specifically deemed subhuman compared to the Aryan ideal. He expressed contempt for Slavic culture and advocated for their subjugation, believing they were unworthy of self-determination. This notion was tied to his belief in the need for Lebensraum “living space” for the German people, which he argued could be acquired at the expense of Slavic populations. Hitler asserted that Slavic nations, particularly those in Eastern Europe, were obstacles to German expansion and should be displaced or exterminated to provide land for German settlers. His perspective was heavily influenced by a Darwinian view of racial struggle, where he saw the displacement of Slavs as a necessary step in ensuring the survival and dominance of the Aryan race.

Hitler's view of the Soviet Union was complex. On one hand, he admired the early revolutionary zeal of the Bolsheviks and their ability to fundamentally change society, but he saw their success as a threat that needed to be eradicated. He believed that the Soviet Union represented the epitome of the communist menace, being the first and most influential communist state. He advocated for aggressive expansion into Soviet territory, viewing it as both a military necessity and a means to obtain resources and land. Hitler also anticipated a future conflict with the Soviet Union, which he described as inevitable. He argued that the defeat of communism could only come through military conquest. So yeah, doesn't take a genius to see Hitler was no friend to the USSR. It became apparent to the leadership in both nations that war was looming, although neither was yet prepared for it. In response, Stalin ordered a shift in industrial focus towards armaments production. Although modernization efforts had been in motion since at least 1930, they were conducted covertly to maintain a façade during the League of Nations’ ongoing disarmament discussions. The Soviet Union actively participated in these talks, requiring them to present budgets that indicated stable armament expenditures. They created misleading public budgets that satisfied the talk's requirements while concealing actual spending that was three times greater than the figures disclosed. Following Hitler’s rise, the Red Army announced an even more extensive rearmament initiative.

The core of these budgets was allocated to the production of vast quantities of equipment. Soviet weapon production outpaced that of the Western allies by nearly three to one. A significant aspect of this production surge was the increased funding for weapon development. Between 1930 and 1939, no fewer than sixteen tank designs were introduced and adopted. In comparison, the British developed twelve designs, five of which were created in 1938. The French adopted eleven designs, while the Germans and Americans produced only five each. During this period, the Germans manufactured four designs in substantial numbers, but only two served as a foundation for further development. The Panzers III and IV continued to evolve through various improved versions, but neither could rival the T-34 or KV-1. The KV-1 tank, was a heavy tank, named after the Soviet People's Commissar Kliment Voroshilov “KV”. Development began around 1937 when Soviet military planners recognized the need for a heavily armored tank that could withstand fire from German anti-tank guns. The initial designs were led by engineer Joseph K. Kotin at the Kirov Factory in Leningrad. The KV-1 was characterized by its thick armor, particularly its 75mm frontal armor, which provided exceptional protection against the standard weaponry of the day. The tank's design was influenced by the more mobile and less heavily armored T-34, which was developed concurrently. While the T-34 focused on mobility and firepower with its 76.2 mm gun, the KV-1 was all about survivability. Its weight, approximately 42 tons, made it less maneuverable than lighter tanks, but it was considered a formidable opponent on the battlefield due to its armor and firepower.

The first KV-1 tanks were produced in 1939, with full production commencing in 1940. The initial models were known as the KV-1 Model 1940 and featured the 76.2 mm ZiS-5 gun, which allowed the tank to engage both enemy armor and fortified positions effectively. However, the KV-1's effectiveness was hampered by its relatively slow speed, up to 30 km/h and mechanical issues, which were common in early Soviet tanks. As a heavy tank, it surpassed all but the French Char B1 in terms of firepower and armor. It exhibited the distinctive features of Soviet tank design that persisted until its retirement. However, the KV-1 had several drawbacks, including poor ergonomics, good cross-country capabilities, and a range similar to that of the inferior Panzer III and IV. It was also produced at a low cost. Sharing its engine with the T-34 allowed for parts interchangeability and other benefits, but this limited its speed and range. Additionally, the tank's transmission was poorly engineered, leading to frequent mechanical failures. The KV-1 also lacked potential for upgrades compared to other key tanks of the time, resulting in its relatively early retirement. Its most significant limitation was the small number of units available; only five hundred had been acquired by the start of Operation Barbarossa, and their distribution was scattered, weakening their effectiveness against enemy tanks. The KV-1 initially surprised German forces during Operation Barbarossa due to its resilient armor, which could withstand attacks from the Panzer III and IV tanks and even some heavier anti-tank weapons. However, as the war continued, the Germans developed increasingly effective countermeasures, including the PaK 40 anti-tank gun and the larger-caliber tanks like the Panther and Tiger.

The T-34 tank, widely recognized as one of the most effective and influential tanks of World War II, was developed by the Soviet Union in response to the need for a versatile and powerful armored vehicle that could counter the advancements made by German tanks in the late 1930s. Its development began in 1937 based on the experiences and lessons learned from previous conflicts and the desire to create a tank that combined firepower, armor, and mobility. The design team, led by Mikhail Koshkin of the Kharkov Design Bureau, aimed to create a medium tank that could support infantry while having sufficient speed and maneuverability on various terrains. This led to the decision to mount a 76.2 mm gun, which was powerful enough to penetrate the armor of contemporary German tanks while remaining manageable for a medium tank.

The T-34's hull featured sloped armor, a design innovation that significantly increased its effectiveness against enemy fire by deflecting incoming rounds. Initially, it was armored with 45 mm of steel; later models saw improvements in thickness and armor design. The tank's wide tracks and robust suspension system allowed it to traverse difficult terrain, making it highly mobile compared to its contemporaries. Production of the T-34 began in 1940, and it quickly became a cornerstone of Soviet armored forces. One of the critical aspects of the T-34's development was the push for mass production. It was manufactured in massive quantities, with the USSR producing around eighty-four thousand T-34s during its lengthy production run, while Germany only produced approximately fourteen and a half thousand Panzers III and IV.

In addition to tanks, the Red Army also explored new artillery designs. The 1930s marked a complete overhaul of the Army’s artillery, even as mechanization and motorization were still behind. By Mechanization I am referring to tracked armored fighting vehicles that move units, i.e. infantry in half-tracks, cavalry being supplanted by tanks, and artillery being replaced by assault guns or self-propelled artillery. Basically motorization is the putting of troops into trucks. A unit considered to be motorized will still generally fight in the traditional manner but be transported by trucks rather than horses or by foot. The latest howitzer model was on par with the best in the world at that time. The M1938 retained the 122-millimeter shell of earlier models but introduced several modern features: a screw breech, tires instead of traditional wheels, enhanced sights, and a split tail carriage that improved stability and facilitated transportation by trucks. This was crucial since the Red Army aimed to motorize its traditionally slowest branches: infantry and artillery.

Truck production was a persistent issue, leading to the widespread use of tractors as substitutes. This was often less than ideal due to tractors' slower speeds and their general unsuitability for long-distance transport. However, tractors were more affordable and available in larger quantities. This availability was primarily a result of the focus on licensing tractor designs for agricultural purposes under the Five-Year Plans, although they served a dual role in this context. Throughout the war, trucks remained a weak point in Soviet production. Starting in August 1941, American and British aid helped fill this gap, with approximately 400,000 trucks delivered during the conflict, while the Soviets managed to produce 265,000 on their own. The need for such aid was not anticipated in the years leading up to the war. The Red Army recognized that their doctrine's envisioned mobility would be significantly hindered if personnel and artillery were not motorized. The production shortcomings of the 1930s did affect the Red Army's campaigns during this period, but the necessary resources were never adequately allocated to resolve these shortages. While the Soviet Union was producing a significant number of trucks, competing demands from industry, the civilian economy, and the military exceeded production capabilities. One contributing factor was the manner in which trucks were distributed to the field forces. Instead of motorizing a single division or corps at a time, trucks were frequently distributed en masse to the Army. This approach allowed the massive army to absorb hundreds or even thousands of trucks at once without any substantial improvement in its capacity to transport personnel and supplies. This critical flaw was addressed during the war under Stalin’s directive, as units were methodically built up in rear areas before being deployed as fully equipped forces. While this was not a perfect solution, it proved to be an improvement over the previous practice of random truck distribution among units throughout the field force.

During this period, the air force showcased some distinctive designs, with the Polikarpov I-16 arguably being the standout among early modern fighter aircraft. The I-16 was designed by the Soviet engineer and aircraft designer Nikolai Polikarpov. The design process began in the mid-1930s, with the goal of creating a fighter that could compete with the latest aircraft of the time, particularly against the rising threat of Nazi Germany. Its development was characterized by a focus on speed, agility, and firepower. The I-16 featured a low-wing monoplane configuration, retractable landing gear, and a powerful M-62 engine, which contributed to its excellent performance. One of the aircraft's most distinctive characteristics was its round shape, often referred to as a "Rata", Spanish for "rat", which was both a result of its construction and its aerodynamic design. The aircraft first flew in December 1933, and after extensive testing and modifications, it was accepted into service by the Soviet Air Force in 1934.

The I-16 quickly gained a reputation for its speed and maneuverability. It was capable of reaching speeds of over 300 mph and had a service ceiling of around 30,000 feet, making it competitive with contemporary fighters like the British Hawker Hurricane and the German Messerschmitt Bf 109. By 1936, the I-16 was in service in significant numbers and was employed extensively in the Spanish Civil War, where it demonstrated its effectiveness in dogfights and ground support roles. In the late 1930s, more than 10,000 units were produced, making the I-16 one of the most widely produced fighters of its time. Its versatility allowed for various modifications, resulting in several variants equipped with different armaments and engines. The aircraft could be fitted with a range of weapons, including machine guns and cannons, enhancing its combat capabilities.

Despite its initial success, the I-16 began to show its age by the end of the 1930s. As newer aircraft were developed, such as the German Bf 109 and the Soviet Yakovlev Yak-1, the I-16 was gradually outclassed. The introduction of heavier armament and improved aerodynamics in these newer models made the I-16 less effective in air combat. By the time World War II began in 1939, the I-16 was still in service but had been overshadowed by its newer counterparts. However, the aircraft remained a crucial part of the Soviet air force during the early stages of the war. It was involved in significant battles, including the Battle of Moscow and the defense against the Luftwaffe, showcasing its enduring relevance despite being outmatched. The Germans had deployed the Bf 109 in considerable numbers, and the Fw-190 was on the verge of becoming operational. Meanwhile, the Soviets were working on several promising fighter designs, but by decade's end, very few modern aircraft had been put into service. The war would trigger a revitalization of fighter development within the Soviet Aero Industry, leading to the introduction of several excellent designs alongside British and American planes. None of these advancements were underway before 1940, a shortcoming that would prove detrimental for the Soviet Union in the initial stages of the German invasion.

One area where the Red Air Force excelled was in the development of attack aircraft. Today, we might refer to this as the Close Air Support role, exemplified by the Il-2 Sturmovik. Its development began in the late 1930s under the leadership of chief designer Sergei Ilyushin, responding to the need for a dedicated ground-attack aircraft capable of taking on enemy armor and fortifications. The initial concept emphasized ruggedness and firepower, leading to the decision to equip the Sturmovik with heavy armament. The design featured a low-wing monoplane configuration with a robust airframe, primarily composed of metal, which was crucial for survivability in combat. The aircraft was powered by the Shvetsov ASh-82 radial engine, offering significant performance capabilities, including a cruising speed of approximately 400 km/h, thats 250 miles per freedom units and a range of around 600 km or 370 freedom miles.

In 1938, the prototype, designated Il-2, made its first flight. However, its initial design underwent several modifications based on feedback from the Red Air Force and field tests. By the time production began in 1941, the Il-2 had evolved into a formidable platform with improved armor and weaponry. The aircraft was typically armed with a combination of 23mm and 37mm cannons, and it could carry bombs for ground-attack missions. The Sturmovik's production ramped up significantly following the start of Operation Barbarossa in June 1941, as the Soviet Union faced a critical need for effective CAS to support its infantry in the wake of German advances. Various factories, including those relocated from western regions during the German invasion, were repurposed for the Sturmovik's manufacturing. This effort led to a staggering output; by war's end, over 36,000 units had been produced, making it one of the most mass-produced aircraft in history.

One of the most notable features of the Il-2 was its armor. The aircraft was heavily fortified to withstand small arms fire and light anti-aircraft artillery, enabling it to operate effectively in contested environments. The armor plate, though adding weight, provided increased survivability for pilots, making the Sturmovik a resilient platform on the battlefield. The Il-2 was quickly proven in combat, participating in numerous key battles, including the Battle of Stalingrad and the Kursk Offensive. It provided essential support to Soviet ground forces, attacking enemy tanks, troops, and supply lines. Its effectiveness was greatly enhanced by the close coordination with ground troops, who would often designate targets for the Sturmovik. The concept behind this design was not exclusive to the Soviet Union, as the Germans also created the highly effective Ju-87 Stuka for similar purposes. It demonstrated greater versatility than the German Stuka, with superior armament and armor. This distinction was partly due to the differing roles of the two aircraft. The Stuka started as a dedicated dive bomber before being modified for anti-tank and strafing attacks, while the Sturmovik was conceived as a more general-purpose aircraft, designed to engage ground targets with a level of protection against anti-aircraft fire.

The Soviet Navy faced a considerable challenge. The Bolshevik regime prioritized the Red Army while initially neglecting naval forces, which were seen as less critical in a land-based conflict. The 1920s were marked by doctrinal battles, particularly influenced by the Jeune Ecole movement, which valued smaller, more agile naval forces capable of commerce raiding rather than large battleships. This ideological stance led to a limited naval budget and a focus on developing submarines and smaller vessels. By the 1930s, however, the Soviet government's attitude shifted as it recognized the importance of a strong navy in asserting power and protecting its interests. The expansion of the Soviet industrial base during this time allowed for new designs and greater investments in naval construction. Despite initial low priority, Joseph Stalin's regime eventually sanctioned the creation of a formidable fleet, partly in reaction to perceived threats from Nazi Germany. In 1934, the Soviet Navy’s development gained momentum with the introduction of new projects focused on large surface ships, particularly battleships. The decision to pursue these larger vessels was likely influenced by Germany's construction of the Scharnhorst and Bismarck classes, which posed a direct challenge to Soviet naval aspirations. Although attempts were made to acquire foreign designs or ships, ultimately, the decision was made to develop indigenous designs, resulting in the Sovetsky Soyuz class of battleships, although none were completed before their scrap by 1949.

The narrative of the modernization of the Soviet Union’s military and industry in the 1930s is marked by success, but it faced a significant hurdle, Joseph Stalin himself. By 1936, an atmosphere of paranoia pervaded the halls of power. Stalin was haunted by the specter of betrayal. What became known as the Great Purge, began not with an announcement but with whispers of treason among former comrades. Stalin's grip on power felt fragile, and to safeguard the revolution, he believed he needed to eliminate anyone who dared to oppose him. The machinery of state repression, primarily the NKVD, the secret police, was primed for action. The dramatic crescendo began in August 1936 with the infamous Moscow Trials. The first show trial saw key figures of the party, men who had fought alongside Stalin, brought before the court. Grigory Zinoviev, once a close ally, stood in the dock alongside Lev Kamenev, both cloaked in fear. They were accused of plotting against Stalin, a charge resounding with absurdity. Under the harsh lights of a courtroom designed for spectacle rather than truth, they confessed to their crimes, often under extreme duress. The confessions were not just admissions of guilt; they were statements of survival, a desperate bid to escape the death sentence that lurked just outside the courtroom doors. The show trials were merely the tip of the iceberg. The NKVD launched widespread arrests, sweeping through cities and villages, casting nets of terror. Neighbors turned on each other, afraid that silence might invite suspicion. Ordinary citizens were snatched from their homes in the dead of night for crimes they could not comprehend.

Among the arrested were not only party officials but also intellectuals, artists, and even the military brass. Officers of the Red Army, once revered heroes of the revolution, now faced annihilation. They were deemed potential threats to Stalin’s regime. In just a few years, hundreds of thousands would find themselves rotting in labor camps, known as Gulags, while countless others simply vanished, their fates sealed in silence. This wave of terror didn’t only affect the political elite, it seeped into the very fabric of everyday life. Families were torn apart as loved ones disappeared, leaving children to wonder about the fate of their parents. By 1937, the purges entered a particularly brutal phase, targeting the Red Army. Stalin feared that the old guard, with their loyalty to Bolshevism, might rise against him. The NKVD executed or imprisoned a significant portion of military leaders, including the chief military commanders. One general, Mikhail Tukhachevsky, a celebrated figure during the civil war, was executed after a short trial marked by his own forced confession. The Red Army, once a colossal force, crumbled under the weight of leadership decimated by Stalin’s retribution.

The purges created a culture steeped in fear. People who had once celebrated the October Revolution now tread lightly, avoiding conversations that could be misconstrued as dissent. As the purges peaked, the sheer scale of repression began to overwhelm not just the citizens but also the very institutions of the party. The tide began to turn with the fall of Nikolai Yezhov, the head of the NKVD, who became a victim of Stalin's paranoia himself. In 1938, as the purges began to ebb, Stalin turned on Yezhov, blaming him for the excesses of the terror. The once-feared Yezhov was arrested, tortured, and executed, a grim reminder that loyalty in Stalin's world was an illusion. By 1939, the purges had subsided, leaving a shattered society in their wake. Estimates of the dead, imprisoned, or exiled during this period range from 1.5 to 3 million, a high price for a regime clinging to power through fear. The Great Purge would forever mar the Soviet psyche, laying an indelible mark on the national identity. Stalin’s Soviet Union emerged from the Great Purge a different entity, albeit one weakened by loss. The fabric of trust that had once connected people dissolved. The old Bolshevik guard, with their vision of a worker's paradise, had been replaced by a climate of submission, survival hinged on unyielding loyalty to the dictator.

I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me.

In the aftermath of World War I, Germany teetered on the brink of chaos. Amidst despair, Adolf Hitler rose to power, exploiting public disillusionment. Meanwhile, Stalin's USSR pursued rapid industrialization through Five-Year Plans, implementing brutal purges to eliminate dissent. These regimes set the stage for future conflict as tensions escalated.