The Great Purge was a period of political repression and persecution that took place in the Soviet Union under the leadership of Joseph Stalin in the late 1930s. The main purpose of the Great Purge was to eliminate perceived enemies of the state, including real or perceived political rivals, dissenters, and anyone who was seen as a threat to the power of the Communist Party. It was also designed to create a climate of fear and obedience among the population so that nobody would try to ruin the plans. It was created by Stalin, who was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Stalin saw the Purge as a means to consolidate his power and remove anyone who might pose a threat to his leadership. The Purge began in 1934 and continued until 1938. The Great Purge impacted millions of people in the Soviet Union. It is believed that between 700,000 and 1.5 million people were executed during the Purge, and as many as 20 million people were sent to labor camps or exiled to remote areas of the Soviet Union. Among those who were targeted were party officials, military officers, intellectuals, artists, and ordinary citizens. Many were accused of crimes they did not commit and were subjected to brutal interrogations and show trials. The Purge had a profound impact on Soviet society, leading to a climate of fear and suspicion, and leaving a significant impact that would be felt for decades to come.