Short Answer 
The Great Purge, led by Stalin in the late 1930s, involved severe repression and the targeting of perceived dissenters, creating a climate of fear. Show trials served as public spectacles to reinforce the regime’s power, where accused individuals were coerced into false confessions, prioritizing political propaganda over legitimate justice. Public opinion was manipulated to justify these actions, resulting in outcomes that favored the regime’s goals rather than truth and fairness.
Step 1: Understanding the Great Purge
The Great Purge was a significant political campaign led by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union during the late 1930s. It involved widespread repression, where many individuals were targeted for perceived dissent or opposition. Key elements included the imprisonment and executed of those deemed threats to Stalin’s regime, resulting in a climate of fear.
Step 2: The Role of Show Trials
Show trials were public trials that aimed to showcase the power of the regime rather than to deliver justice. During these trials, the accused were often forced to confess to crimes they didn’t commit, under duress or coercion. Characteristics of show trials include:
- Public spectacle to demonstrate control.
- Judgment influenced by political propaganda.
- Erasure of legitimate legal processes.
Step 3: The Influence of Public Opinion
In show trials, the opinion of the public played a crucial role, often overshadowing actual justice. The authorities utilized these trials to manipulate public perception and maintain power, creating a narrative that justified their actions. This approach led to a skewed sense of justice where the outcome favored political goals over truth and fairness.