By 1937 the Soviet newspaper Pravda (its editorial board pictured above), was a key part of the mechanisms of denunciation and terror. It presented lurid tales of corruption and embezzlement that most Soviet citizens knew happened in the party constantly, weaponising their anger against those accused in the show trialsShow Trials Full Description:Highly publicized, choreographed trials of prominent Bolshevik leaders (such as Zinoviev, Kamenev, and Bukharin). The defendants were forced to confess to impossible crimes, such as conspiring with Fascists or plotting to kill Lenin, to justify their execution. The Show Trials were political theater designed for domestic and international consumption. They were not about justice, but about constructing a narrative. By forcing the “Old Bolsheviks” to confess, Stalin rewrote history, presenting himself as the only loyal disciple of Lenin and his rivals as lifelong traitors. Critical Perspective:These trials demonstrated the psychological power of the regime. The fact that hardened revolutionaries confessed to absurd crimes revealed the effectiveness of the state’s torture methods and its ability to break the human spirit. They served as a warning to the entire population: if the heroes of the revolution could be traitors, then anyone could be a traitor, justifying universal suspicion.
Read more. The purpose was to build a mass popular base for StalinStalin Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (18 December 1878 – 5 March 1953) was a Soviet politician, dictator and revolutionary who led the Soviet Union from 1924 until his death in 1953. Read More’s attacks against the party itself. This podcast explores how the paper operated as part of the wider culture of denunciation.

Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.

▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive Content

Become a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory

▸ Join the Community & Continue the Conversation

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcast

Substack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com

▸ Read Articles & Go Deeper

Website: explaininghistory.org