The purges decimated the Red Army from "summary" of A People's Tragedy by Orlando Figes
The purges of the late 1930s had a devastating impact on the Red Army, severely weakening its leadership and capabilities. High-ranking military officers were arrested, tortured, and executed on false charges of treason and sabotage. This ruthless campaign of terror resulted in the loss of experienced commanders and the promotion of inexperienced and often incompetent officials to fill the vacancies. The purges created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion within the Red Army, leading to widespread demoralization and a breakdown of discipline. Soldiers and officers were constantly on guard against potential enemies within their own ranks, further undermining the cohesion and effectiveness of the military. The purges also disrupted the training and organization of the Red Army, as institutions were purged of suspected traitors and new leadership was installed without regard for merit or experience. The result was a military force that was ill-prepared and ill-equipped to defend the Soviet Union against external threats. As a consequence of the purges, the Red Army suffered significant losses during the early years of World War II, particularly in the disastrous campaigns against Finland and Germany. The lack of competent leadership and the erosion of morale and discipline contributed to these defeats, which could have been avoided if not for the destructive impact of the purges.- The purges decimated the Red Army, weakening its capabilities and leadership at a critical moment in history. The consequences of this tragic chapter in Soviet history would reverberate for years to come, shaping the course of World War II and the fate of the Soviet Union.
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