Short Answer 
A gulag is a Soviet-era forced labor camp for political prisoners, characterized by harsh conditions including slave labor, poor nutrition, inadequate medical care, and exposure to extreme weather. From 1917 to 1977, it is estimated that 62 million people were affected by this oppressive system, which aimed to suppress dissent and support Soviet economic goals, as documented in Alexandr Solzhenitsyn’s *The Gulag Archipelago*.
Step 1: Understanding the Definition of a Gulag
A gulag is a system of forced labor camps that were predominantly established during the Soviet era, mainly under Joseph Stalin’s regime. These facilities were specifically used to imprison political prisoners and individuals labeled as “class enemies.” The term *gulag* itself refers to the government agency that administered these camps, highlighting the system’s governmental backing and legal framework.
Step 2: Analyzing the Conditions and Purpose
The conditions within the gulags were incredibly harsh and inhumane, marked by several critical factors that led to immense suffering among prisoners. These include:
- Slave labor: Prisoners were forced to work in grueling conditions with little rest.
- Poor nutrition: Food was scarce and of extremely low quality, often leading to severe malnutrition.
- Inadequate medical care: Prisoners had little access to healthcare, exacerbating the issues caused by their harsh environment.
- Extreme weather exposure: Many camps were located in brutally cold regions, exposing prisoners to life-threatening conditions.
This system served the dual purpose of oppressing dissent and fulfilling the Soviet state’s economic goals through forced labor.
Step 3: Recognizing the Historical Context
Between 1917 and 1977, estimates suggest that around 62 million people were affected by the gulag system, reflecting the extensive reach of the Soviet terror campaign. This systematic oppression generated severe human suffering, which was later documented in influential literature, particularly in Alexandr Solzhenitsyn’s *The Gulag Archipelago*. His work played a pivotal role in raising global awareness about the true nature of these camps and the atrocities committed against prisoners.