VI. The World Wars and the Interwar Period, 1914–1945 > C. Europe, 1919–1945 > 16. Russia (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) > 1937, Jan. 23–30
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1937, Jan. 23–30
 
George Piatakov, Karl Radek, and other leaders were put on trial and convicted, 13 of them suffering the death penalty. The various “purges” continued throughout the year and extended through the entire administration, ultimately reaching also the army and the diplomatic service. Political commissioners were appointed to watch over the army commands. On May 31 Marshal Ian Gamarnik was reported to have committed suicide.  1
 
June 12
 
Marshal Michael Tukhachevski and seven other generals of the highest rank were executed after a secret court-martial. They were accused of conspiracy with the Germans and the Japanese. There followed further purging, in the course of which all “Trotskyists” and others objectionable to Stalin were “liquidated.” These trials and executions did much to discredit Russia as a reliable factor in international relations.  2
 
Dec. 12
 
The first elections under the new constitution were held. Most of the candidates elected were those of the Communist slate, so that no significant change resulted from the new system. The Supreme Soviet met for the first time on Jan. 12, 1938, and appointed to the key positions those who were already dominant in the government.  3
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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