Show Trials
History: Edexcel IGCSE USSR, 1924-1953, topic 3.1.3
The 'Show Trials' of 1936–1938
‘Show trials’ were used for high profile prisoners.
Public nature of the 'Show Trials'
- Most ordinary people were not given the right to a trial. Show trials were for high profile Russians.
- The script was written in advance for show trials and everyone knew what the outcome would be.
- Films of the 1936-38 show trials were released around the world.
The most high-profile trials
- Zinoviev and Kamenev’s trial took place in 1936.
- They were made to confess to aiding the now-exiled Trotsky in terrorist activities.
- Bukharin then received his show trial in 1938.
- Stalin had fully eliminated all of his former rivals.
The outcome
- People often confessed to crimes they had not committed in the hope of mercy, in an attempt to protect their loved ones and because of their fear of torture.
- The show trials created the impression of the existence of a real threat to the USSR from internal enemies.
- Many workers actually supported the show trials, because it gave them a way to denounce their bosses for personal reasons, and to get them fired or arrested as a result.
Test yourself on Show Trials
How were the show trials made so public?
When did Zinoviev and Kamenev’s trial take place?
Which of the following about show trials are correct?