Part 7/9:
The military suffered significantly with over 30,000 officers purged, which hampered the Red Army's readiness leading into World War II. Stalin’s unfathomable level of distrust turned against even the most loyal military leaders, contributing to crucial failures during the war.
The Aftermath
By the end of 1938, the Great Purge began to wane as the Soviet regime attempted to restore some semblance of order within the party and society. However, the damage had been done. Families were shattered, millions were dead, and the foundation of Soviet society was restructured through fear. Basic rights vanished overnight, with entire families suffering for the alleged crimes of one member.