This edited extract refers to the first of Stalin's show trials which opened in Moscow on 19 August, 1936 - Leaving Cert History - Question A - 2013
Question A
This edited extract refers to the first of Stalin's show trials which opened in Moscow on 19 August, 1936. Study it and answer the questions which follow.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:This edited extract refers to the first of Stalin's show trials which opened in Moscow on 19 August, 1936 - Leaving Cert History - Question A - 2013
Step 1
What occasion is described?
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Answer
The occasion described is the first of Stalin's show trials, which commenced in Moscow on August 19, 1936. These trials were a significant element of the Great Purge, aimed at consolidating Stalin's power by eliminating perceived threats and promoting fear among the populace.
Step 2
Who, from outside the Soviet Union, attended the trial?
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The trial was attended by foreign journalists and diplomats, indicating it was a spectacle meant to project a particular image of justice and order to the outside world, while also showcasing the regime's power.
Step 3
How were the troopers armed and what did they do?
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The NKVD troopers, responsible for overseeing the trial, were armed with fixed bayonets. Their presence served both as a physical threat to the defendants and a tool of intimidation towards the audience, ensuring that the proceedings maintained a sense of control and dominance.
Step 4
Is the writer sure that Stalin was present? Explain your answer.
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The writer is not certain that Stalin was present. The text states that he was 'said to be lurking in a recessed gallery', which implies ambiguity. This uncertainty can signify that Stalin's involvement was more about creating an atmosphere of fear without directly being seen.
Step 5
Why did Stalin set up show trials?
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Stalin set up show trials as a method to eliminate opposition and consolidate his power. These trials publicly displayed the regime's authority, instilling fear in the populace and providing a façade of legitimacy for the purges that were conducted, which aimed to remove dissenters and rivals within the Communist Party.
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