How was Joseph Stalin able to eliminate the generals of the Soviet Army in this simple way? Why was he not afraid that they would eliminate him?

Joseph Stalin’s ability to eliminate the generals of the Soviet Army was not a simple process, but rather a complex web of political maneuvering and calculated actions. While it may seem surprising that Stalin was not afraid of retaliation from these high-ranking military figures, there are several factors at play that explain his confidence.

First and foremost, it is important to understand the context in which Stalin operated. During Stalin’s rule, the Soviet Union was transitioning from an agrarian society into an industrial powerhouse. This required significant changes in the economy, infrastructure, and military structure. Stalin believed that to achieve these goals, he needed complete control over all aspects of Soviet society, including the military.

Stalin’s rise to power involved purging many perceived threats to his authority, both within and outside the Communist Party. The Red Army, as the military force of the Soviet Union, was not exempt from this purging. From 1937 to 1939, the Great Purge took place, during which thousands of military officers, including high-ranking generals, were arrested, tried, and executed or sent to labour camps. Stalin justified these purges by accusing the targeted individuals of various crimes, such as espionage or sabotage, often through fabricated evidence and forced confessions.

One reason why Stalin was able to eliminate the generals was his meticulous control over the security apparatus. He effectively neutralized any potential opposition within the ranks of the military by placing loyalists in key positions and conducting extensive surveillance. This allowed him to monitor the activities and loyalties of military personnel, making it difficult for dissent to gain traction.

Furthermore, Stalin’s consolidation of power went hand in hand with his cult of personality. He cultivated an image of infallibility and strength, presenting himself as the embodiment of the Soviet Union’s success and protector against external threats. This propaganda campaign, coupled with a climate of fear and loyalty created through surveillance and purges, ensured that many Soviet citizens, including military officers, were hesitant to openly challenge Stalin.

Stalin also skilfully exploited divisions within the military. By pitting generals against each other and encouraging competition, he weakened their collective power and made it easier to control them individually. Additionally, he fostered a sense of loyalty and gratitude among those officers who survived the purges, making them more reliant on him for their positions and protection.

While it is true that some generals may have harboured resentment or plotted against Stalin, they were acutely aware of the consequences of challenging his authority. Stalin’s ruthlessness and ability to eliminate perceived threats swiftly and decisively created an environment of fear and submission. Moreover, any potential conspirators would have faced significant obstacles in coordinating their efforts, given the extensive surveillance and control exerted by Stalin’s regime.