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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. The 350 s... show full transcript
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?
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
Step 3
How were the troopers armed and what did they do?
Answer
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.
Answer
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?
Answer
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.