ГУЛАГ: полная история жутких советских лагерей

Name: ГУЛАГ: полная история жутких советских лагерей
Uploaded: 2023-06-30T10:25:46.000Z
Duration: 1 h 36 min 50 s

Introduction to the Gulag System

The speaker introduces the topic of the Gulag system and mentions that in the time of Stalin, enemies of the people were either executed or sent to labor camps. There is a lack of understanding about what these camps actually were, and some people falsely claim that prisoners lived comfortably in them.

The Misconception Surrounding Gulag Camps

The layman often lacks a clear understanding of what the Gulag camps were.

Some sellers of Marxism falsely claim that prisoners lived comfortably in these camps.

The term "Gulag" has become a household name and refers to specific camps during a particular historical period.

Expressions like "victims of the Gulag" encompass all those who went through this system.

Historical Background: Russian Empire

The speaker provides information about hard labor practices in the Russian Empire before discussing the Soviet correctional system.

Hard Labor Practices in the Russian Empire

Hard labor practices began in Russia as early as the late 17th century under Peter the Great's rule.

Prisoners were used for forced labor such as rowing, construction, mining, and spinning houses for women.

Conditions gradually improved by the end of the 19th century, with fewer individuals sentenced to hard labor.

Increase in Hard Labor Prisoners

The speaker discusses an increase in hard labor prisoners during the imperial government's fight against revolutionary terror at the beginning of the 20th century.

Surge in Hard Labor Prisoners

During Russia's struggle against revolutionary terror, approximately 66,000 people were sentenced to hard labor within five years.

However, their detention could not be considered hellish compared to previous conditions.

Convicts continued working in mines, factories, and road construction.

Exile to remote areas was also used as a form of punishment.

Changes in Punishment: Provisional Government and Bolsheviks

The speaker explains the changes in punishment during the transition from the Russian Empire to Soviet Russia.

Changes in Punishment

In 1917, exile as a measure of punishment was abolished by the Provisional Government.

However, after the October Revolution, the death penalty and hard labor were reintroduced.

The Bolsheviks initially abolished the death penalty but reinstated it within a year through a decree on red terror.

The number of people sentenced to death during the first four years of Soviet Russia was significantly higher than during Stolypin's military field courts.

Comparison with Russian Empire

The speaker compares the number of death sentences between Soviet Russia and the Russian Empire.

Comparison with Russian Empire

During Soviet Russia's Red Terror, approximately 140,000 people were executed according to Cheka verdicts alone.

This number does not account for executions carried out by other entities involved in the Red Terror.

In contrast, over an 80-year period in the Russian Empire (from Decembrist Rebellion to Stolypin trials), only 894 death sentences were handed down.

Conclusion

The transcript provides an introduction to the Gulag system and dispels misconceptions about living conditions in these camps. It also highlights historical practices of hard labor in both the Russian Empire and Soviet Russia. Additionally, it discusses changes in punishment under different governments and compares death sentence statistics between Soviet Russia and the Russian Empire.

New Section

This section discusses the establishment of concentration camps in the early years of Soviet power, with a focus on the Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp.

The Origins of Concentration Camps

The Bolsheviks were not the first Russian rulers to create prison camps in the northern archipelago of Solovki.

During tsarist rule, the Solovetsky Monastery was used as a prison for political prisoners.

The white government also organized forced labor camps on nearby islands during the civil war.

The Bolsheviks established multiple camps in the Arkhangelsk province before consolidating them into Solovki.

The Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp

Initially, it was intended for the Solovetsky camp to be self-sufficient and provide re-education through work.

Attempts at re-education included cultural and sports events, teaching literacy, and maintaining a library.

However, conditions deteriorated over time, with food rations tied to productivity and long working hours.

The number of prisoners grew each year, leading to the expansion of the camp beyond the archipelago.

New Section

This section explores how the Solovetsky Camp transformed into an extensive economic system utilizing forced labor.

Expansion and Economic System

As information about the camp spread to the West, Maxim Gorky expressed interest in visiting Solovki.

Gorky's visit was carefully orchestrated by OGPU (OgEpEU) along a prepared route that showcased positive aspects of prisoner re-education through labor.

Meanwhile, harsh conditions persisted in other parts of the camp where brutal treatment and torture occurred.

Labor Exploitation

The camp's production facilities expanded and began using prisoners' forced labor for economic purposes.

By 1929-30, the camp network had grown significantly and extended beyond the archipelago.

The Solovetsky Camp became an extensive economic system that relied on virtually free forced labor and exported products.

New Section

This section highlights the contrasting experiences of Maxim Gorky's visit to Solovki and the reality of harsh conditions in the camp.

Gorky's Visit

Maxim Gorky, a renowned writer, visited Solovki and was given a guided tour by OGPU.

The Soviet Union capitalized on Gorky's international prestige to present a positive image of prisoner re-education through labor.

Gorky did not witness or acknowledge the horrors and mistreatment experienced by prisoners during his visit.

Reality of Harsh Conditions

While Gorky toured under controlled circumstances, prisoners endured brutal treatment and constant torture.

Oleg Volkov, a writer and translator who was imprisoned in Solovki at the time, described the inhumane treatment of Polish military prisoners.

Despite these realities, Gorky's final essay on Solovki did not reflect any horror or mistreatment he may have witnessed.

The transcript is already in English.

Evidence of Violations in Solovki Camp

This section discusses the report of Alexander Shanin, chairman of the special commission sent to Solovki to investigate violations. The report provides evidence of physical exhaustion, poor living conditions, torture, and humiliation of prisoners in the camp.

Report by Alexander Shanin

Alexander Shanin's report is considered an honest and unbiased reference book about the real conditions in Solovki.

The report describes cases of physical exhaustion due to high production standards, poor housing and living conditions, food problems, as well as examples of torture and bullying.

The punishment cell is described as a plank shed with no stove, holes in the ceiling, and overcrowded with half-dressed prisoners.

Beatings and torture were common in the punishment cell for disciplinary misdemeanors or escape attempts.

The finer room accommodates 51 people with inadequate heating, bedbugs, no ventilation, and sitting motionless for long hours under strict schedules.

Beating incidents were reported among prisoners by guards, escorts, shooters, tenants, and security officers.

Specific instances of extreme cruelty by prisoner Kurilko are mentioned on Revolution Island.

The isolation ward had similar beatings as the punishment cell but provided bunks for prisoners.

The "kibitka" punishment cell was used regardless of weather conditions where offenders were kept for hours in minimal clothing until they screamed from coldness.

Complaints about beatings also came from prisoners in common barracks.

Response to the Report

This section discusses the response of the top party leadership to the OGPU report on Solovki. Limited improvements were made, such as providing special work clothes and bed linen, but overall, the excesses and torture were not adequately addressed.

The head of the isolation ward, guards, escorts, and the head of the business trip encouraged and carried out beatings.

Special work clothes and bed linen were introduced in the camp after seven years of neglecting basic necessities.

The top party leadership did little to address the excessive cruelty documented in the OGPU report.

The transcript is already in English.

New Section

This section discusses the establishment of corrective labor camps in the Soviet Union, specifically focusing on the White Sea-Baltic Canal construction project and its impact on prisoners.

The Origins of Corrective Labor Camps

In the 29th year, a decree was issued to transfer prisoners convicted for more than three years to the OGPU office.

The need for free labor or an increasing number of prisoners led to the creation of corrective labor camps.

The term "prisoned canal soldier" or "zek" emerged during the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal.

The Fictitious Labor Accounting Technique was introduced to combat prisoners pretending to work.

Incentives and Challenges in Camp Construction

BelBaltLag, successor to Solovki, implemented a system of product incentives for shock work.

A credit system was introduced, allowing prisoners to be released faster if they performed well.

Despite awards and incentives, meeting construction plans remained challenging.

By summer 1933, the White Sea-Baltic Canal was completed with significant human cost.

Propaganda and Aftermath

Stalin expressed skepticism about the canal's practical value but it served as propaganda material.

Maxim Gorky organized a motor ship excursion for famous artists, highlighting forced labor in his monograph.

The experience gained from camp construction led to new projects like Moscow-Volga Canal with high mortality rates.

Genrikh Yagoda, instrumental in using prisoners for construction, faced his downfall and execution.

New Section

This section delves into the consequences faced by Genrikh Yagoda, the former head of OGPU, after utilizing prisoners for construction projects.

The Downfall of Genrikh Yagoda

Yagoda was transferred to the post of People's Commissar for Communications but later removed from all positions.

In September 1936, he was arrested and charged with involvement in a conspiracy within the NKVD.

Yagoda faced accusations of organizing an assassination attempt on Stalin and Yezhov.

He was executed a year later as part of the Great Terror.

The transcript ends here.

New Section

This section discusses the increase in population of Soviet camps and the conditions of detention for prisoners.

Increase in Population of Soviet Camps

The new head of the NKVD, Nikolai Yezhov, implemented a plan to increase the population of Soviet camps.

The famous order zero zero four hundred and forty-seven aimed to add 193,000 people to the camps.

The Politburo allocated 75 million rubles for mass operations and transportation of people by rail.

The original plan was overfulfilled by 4 times within the first 7 months, resulting in 800,000 new prisoners sent to the camps.

Conditions of Detention

The sudden influx of prisoners overwhelmed the camp infrastructure, leading to worsened conditions.

The detention facilities were not prepared for such a large number of people, causing overcrowding and inadequate living conditions.

Mortality rates increased significantly due to these poor conditions.

Several camp administrations were investigated by the USSR prosecutor's office and reported to Stalin. Unsatisfactory conditions were found in major camps like Baikal-Amur, Far East, Ussuriysk, and UkhtopechOrsk.

New Section

This section highlights further details about the intolerable conditions in Soviet camps during this period.

Intolerable Conditions

Prisoners faced various challenges due to inadequate facilities and resources.

Lack of linen resulted in prisoners going without proper clothing for weeks.

Patients with different illnesses were forced to share wards, leading to health risks.

Removal of dead bodies became necessary due to high mortality rates.

Specific camps like BamlAg lacked essential items such as linen, boots, clothes, and soap. Many prisoners had nothing for personal hygiene or restroom use.

New Section

This section discusses the unsatisfactory conditions in UkhtpechOrsk camp and the knowledge of these issues by high-ranking officials.

Conditions in UkhtpechOrsk Camp

The conditions in UkhtpechOrsk camp were also deemed unsatisfactory.

Only 60% of prisoners had housing, and 50% lacked warm clothes and footwear.

The Chief Prosecutor of the USSR, Andrey Vyshinsky, personally reported these issues to Stalin.

New Section

This section explores the shift of Soviet camps to the east and the establishment of Dalstroy in Kolyma.

Shift to the East and Dalstroy

In the late 1930s, Soviet camps started shifting towards the east, with Kolyma playing a significant role.

Dalstroy, a "state within a state," was established in this region. It focused on construction, road development, and mining activities.

Prisoners were utilized for these tasks, leading to the construction of cities like Magadan.

Other cities forced to be built by convicts included Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Nakhodka, Vorkuta, and Norilsk.

New Section

This section provides statistics on prisoner numbers and mortality rates in Kolyma camps.

Statistics on Kolyma Camps

From 1932 to 1956, over eight hundred thousand prisoners passed through Kolyma camps.

Approximately 120-130 thousand people died during their time there.

Another 10 thousand prisoners were executed.

Overall, around 16% of those who entered the camp did not survive.

New Section

This section presents a firsthand account of the harsh conditions in Soviet camps by Varlam Shalamov.

Harsh Conditions in Soviet Camps

Varlam Shalamov, author of Kolyma Tales, describes the brutal reality of life in Soviet camps.

Prisoners endured long working hours, hunger, inadequate clothing, and freezing temperatures.

Physical abuse from authorities and high turnover rates among prisoners were common.

Sleep was limited to only four hours after exhausting physical labor.

The transcript is already in English.

New Section

This section discusses the harsh conditions and diseases in the Soviet camps, including pellagra and alimentary dystrophy.

Conditions in the Soviet Camps

The poor were forced to collect kitchen leftovers from garbage heaps densely covered with flies to fill their stomachs.

Pellagra, a disease of the poor, caused exhaustion and resulted in peeling skin on the palms and feet.

Alimentary dystrophy, also known as hunger disease, affected many prisoners during the Leningrad blockade.

New Section

This section provides an overview of the Gulag system and its locations.

The Gulag System

The Main Directorate of Camps controlled over 30 thousand places of confinement throughout its existence.

Camp locations were often chosen based on future socialist construction projects or uninhabited areas.

From 1923 to 1960, more than 20 million prisoners passed through the camps.

New Section

This section highlights the high mortality rate in the Gulag system during World War II.

High Mortality Rate during World War II

According to official data from the Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs, 1,600,000 prisoners did not survive their time in the Gulag.

The Great Patriotic War led to even higher casualties due to reduced food supplies.

Parole and offsets were abolished before the war, worsening living conditions for prisoners.

New Section

This section discusses the impact of the war on the Gulag system and the release of certain prisoners.

Impact of War on the Gulag System

The camps were transferred to a military regime after June 22, 1941.

Release of counter-revolutionaries, bandits, and recidivists was prohibited during wartime.

Some prisoners were released, while others suitable for military service were drafted into the Red Army.

New Section

This section explores the fate of different groups in the Gulag system during wartime.

Fate of Different Groups in the Gulag

Pregnant women, disabled individuals, and those convicted of domestic crimes were released during wartime.

Prisoners from Oryol prison were executed by order of Stalin.

Many people continued to suffer in unbearable conditions in the camps even after hard labor was officially reintroduced in April 1943.

New Section

This section discusses how existing infrastructure, including German concentration camps, was used by NKVD after World War II.

Use of Existing Infrastructure

After World War II, existing infrastructure such as German concentration camps was utilized by NKVD for imprisonment.

Buchenwald camp became NKVD Special Camp No. 2 with a high mortality rate among prisoners.

Soviet pilot DevyatAev experienced being held captive in Sachsenhausen camp before escaping and being sent to a Soviet filtration camp at Sachsenhausen again.

New Section

This section introduces the creation of special camps after 1948 with stricter conditions.

Creation of Special Camps

After 1948, special camps were established, combining elements from the Civil War and Solovetsky Camp.

Twelve special camps were created with even stricter detention conditions.

The post-war segment of the Gulag system became the basis for its foreign perception.

New Section

This section raises ethical questions about the necessity and effectiveness of the Gulag system.

Ethical Questions and Economic Impact

The measures taken in the Gulag system are often justified by their perceived contribution to the economy and victory in war.

However, it raises ethical concerns whether millions had to end up in camps to solve economic problems.

Despite forced labor's significant role during wartime, modern researchers estimate a low overall contribution of the Gulag system to the USSR's economy.

labor efficiency and the decline of the Gulag system

This section discusses the labor efficiency in the Gulag system and its decline. It also explores the motivations behind maintaining prisoners and security, as well as the impact of certain policies on camp life.

Labor Efficiency and Motivation

The rationalization of labor from the state's perspective differed from that of civilians working in distant mines. Civilian workers required high salaries and good living conditions, while prisoners could be sent to remote areas like Siberia or Kolyma without much incentive.

The lack of motivation among prisoners led to higher costs for maintaining them compared to their economic profitability.

The decree on abolishing the death penalty in 1947 worsened camp conditions, as criminals sentenced to long terms saw it as a life sentence and were more prone to committing crimes within the camps.

Intra-systemic Conflict: Bitch War

The "Bitch War" refers to conflicts between conditional thieves and those who tried to take a path of correction within the camp system.

Mass fights, clashes with homemade weapons, and other forms of prison lawlessness occurred within the camps.

Survival chances decreased due to both terrible detention conditions and risks associated with aligning with one faction.

Separation of Thieves and Bitches

To address internal conflicts, thieves (conditional thieves) and bitches (those tolerant of administration) were separated into different zones or even different camps.

Influence of Comrade Stalin's Death

The existence of Gulag camps seemed tied to Stalin's will. After his death, significant changes began taking place.

Sensational repressions such as doctor cases were reviewed shortly after Stalin's death, leading to their recognition as fabricated cases.

Mass Amnesty and Release

In March 1953, a mass amnesty was issued resulting in over a million people being released from the camps.

The amnesty primarily applied to those accused of criminal offenses such as robbery, theft, rape, and hooliganism.

Political prisoners were not included in the amnesty and continued to protest, leading to several uprisings.

Commission for Political Prisoners

A commission was established to review the cases of political prisoners.

The commission's work resulted in the release and rehabilitation of many individuals, contributing to the decline of the Gulag system by the end of the 1950s.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn and The Gulag Archipelago

Alexander Solzhenitsyn, a former Gulag prisoner, wrote extensively about the horrors of Soviet camps.

Initially enjoying favor during the Khrushchev thaw, his writings were later deemed anti-Soviet.

The publication of "The Gulag Archipelago" abroad led to tensions with Soviet authorities and eventually his expulsion from the country.

Conclusion

This section reflects on Solzhenitsyn's work and its impact on understanding the history of the Gulag system. It emphasizes that while Solzhenitsyn faced censorship, his books should not be taken as completely historical accounts.

Solzhenitsyn's Work

Solzhenitsyn's detailed portrayal of Soviet reality in his books made Soviet camps widely known abroad.

Understanding History

While Solzhenitsyn's work is valuable for shedding light on the Gulag system, it is important to recognize that he did not claim complete historic accuracy.

Critics argue that he depicted well-known aspects of Soviet reality that were not openly discussed at that time.

These notes provide a summary based on selected parts of a longer transcript.

New Section

This section compares the prison systems in the USSR and other countries, highlighting the high number of prisoners involved in economic projects in the USSR compared to developed countries. It also mentions the comparison between mortality rates in Soviet camps and Nazi Germany's labor camps during the Great Terror.

Comparison of Prison Systems

Nowhere in developed countries, except for the USSR, were hundreds of thousands and millions of prisoners involved in grandiose economic projects.

In European countries during peacetime in the 1930s, 10-15% of deaths were recorded in individual camps and prisons, unlike the USSR.

Comparing mortality rates between Soviet camps and Nazi Germany's labor camps shows similar patterns during peak years.

The Gulag is recognized as terrible and monstrous, while some still consider it an achievement of socialism.

New Section

This section discusses the oppressive nature of the Soviet prison system, where individuals could be imprisoned for any act deemed counter-revolutionary by authorities. It also questions the moral implications of using forced labor for economic development.

Oppressive Nature of Soviet Prison System

The USSR had a system where individuals could be imprisoned not only for serious criminal offenses but also for acts labeled as counter-revolutionary by authorities.

Terrible conditions combined with harsh climate resulted in high mortality rates among prisoners.

The use of forced labor did not significantly benefit the Soviet economy and raises moral concerns about changing people's lives for construction or resource extraction purposes.

New Section

This section emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and speaking out against the horrors of the Gulag to prevent such atrocities from happening again. It also invites viewers to share their family stories related to the Gulag and repressions.

Importance of Remembering the Gulag

The Gulag represents a dark page in history that must be openly discussed to prevent its recurrence.

Viewers are encouraged to share their family stories related to the Gulag and repressions in the comments.

New Section

This section acknowledges contributors and recommends subscribing to another channel for historical content on Soviet history. It also encourages engagement with the video through likes, comments, and sharing, as well as supporting the creators financially.

Acknowledgments and Call for Engagement

Thanks are given to contributors who have been supporting the channel.

Viewers are recommended to subscribe to another channel that produces historical streams and videos on important topics about Soviet history.

Engagement is encouraged through liking, commenting, reposting, which helps in development.

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