During the Great Terror, why did so many communist officials make accusations against to other communists?
During the Great Terror in the Soviet Union, many communist officials made accusations against each other for several reasons.
Firstly, the brutal and repressive nature of the Stalinist regime created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust among party members. Many individuals were forced to denounce their colleagues in order to protect themselves and their families from being targeted by the authorities.
Secondly, the intense competition for power and influence within the Communist Party hierarchy encouraged officials to accuse their rivals of being traitors or enemies of the state. By framing their political opponents as enemies of the revolution, individuals could eliminate their competition and consolidate their own power within the party.
Additionally, the constant pressure to demonstrate loyalty to the regime and adhere strictly to the party line meant that any deviation from the official ideology could be seen as evidence of disloyalty or betrayal. Party members felt compelled to denounce anyone who expressed dissenting views or questioned the policies of the party leadership.
Overall, the combination of fear, competition, and ideological pressure created a toxic environment within the Communist Party during the Great Terror, leading many officials to make false accusations against their colleagues in order to protect themselves and advance their own interests.