which statement best explains why the soviet union committed atrocities against its own people
There can be various explanations for why the Soviet Union committed atrocities against its own people, but one statement that can provide insight is:
"The Soviet Union committed atrocities against its own people to maintain the centralized control of the Communist Party and eliminate any perceived threats to its power and ideology."
This statement highlights the Soviet government's priority of preserving its authority and ensuring the dominance of the Communist Party. To achieve this, the regime suppressed dissent, silenced opposition, and targeted individuals or groups deemed counter-revolutionary or anti-Communist. The atrocities were carried out to instill fear, control society, and maintain the Communist Party's monopoly on power.