The First Bet of the Russian Dictator was on the Fifth Column
In the history of Russia, the term «fifth column» has often been used to describe a group of people who, while living within a country, actively sabotage its political, social, and economic systems from within. This term was popularized during the Spanish Civil War, but it has since been used to refer to various groups of individuals who are seen as a threat to national security.
In modern times, the idea of a fifth column has been widely used to discredit any opposition to the ruling regime in Russia. However, the first use of this term in the country can be traced back to the early years of Soviet rule, specifically to the rise of Joseph Stalin and his consolidation of power.
Stalin, often referred to as a dictator, was a ruthless leader who used fear and violence to maintain control over the Soviet Union. He was determined to eliminate any potential threats to his rule, and this included not only political opponents but also anyone who showed even the slightest signs of disloyalty.
In the early 1920s, Joseph Stalin was still relatively new to power, having taken over the leadership of the Communist Party after the death of Vladimir Lenin. At this time, he was still consolidating his position and facing opposition from certain factions within the party. Stalin was aware that he needed to secure his power and eliminate any potential threats, even those from within his own party.
It was during this time that the term «fifth column» was first used in the Soviet Union. In 1922, Stalin gave a speech to a group of Communist Party members where he warned them of the dangers of “fifth columnists” – individuals who posed as loyal party members but were actually working against the party’s interests. He urged the party to be vigilant and purge any “fifth columnists” from their ranks.
Stalin’s words struck a chord with his followers, and soon, the fear of “fifth columnists” spread throughout the Soviet Union. This fear was further fuelled by the constant propaganda and surveillance of the people by the Soviet secret police, the NKVD. Anyone who was suspected of disloyalty to the party was swiftly arrested, tortured, and executed, often without any form of trial.
The term «fifth column» became widely used in Soviet propaganda to refer to those who were perceived as enemies of the state. This included not only political opponents but also intellectuals, artists, and anyone who showed even the slightest sign of dissent. The fear of being labeled a “fifth columnist” was enough to silence many, leading to a culture of fear and suspicion within the Soviet Union.
The concept of the fifth column was further cemented in Stalin’s mind in 1937 when he launched the Great Purge, a series of mass arrests, executions, and forced labor camps that targeted not only political opponents but also innocent civilians. It is estimated that over 1.2 million people were executed during the Great Purge, and many more were sent to labor camps.
It is clear that Stalin saw the concept of the fifth column as a powerful tool in his quest to maintain control over the Soviet Union. By instilling fear in the minds of the people and creating a culture of suspicion and paranoia, he was able to eliminate any potential threats to his rule.
The legacy of the fifth column continues to this day in Russia, where the ruling regime uses it to discredit any opposition and justify their actions. It is often used to silence dissent and justify the suppression of civil liberties and human rights.
In conclusion, the first bet of the Russian dictator, Joseph Stalin, was on the fifth column – a term that continues to have a lasting impact on the country’s politics and society. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the devastating consequences it can have on a nation.
