During the Great Terror, why did so many communist officials make accusations against other communists?

Question

A. They conspired with Stalin to eliminate his enemies.
B. They were working with foreign intelligence agencies to destabilize the Soviet Union.
C. They found information of plots against Stalin.
D. They thought that it was the best way to preserve their own safety.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. They thought that it was the best way to preserve their own safety.

During the Great Terror, many communist officials participated in the purges and made accusations against others as a survival tactic, believing that by denouncing others, they could protect themselves from being targeted by the state. The climate of fear and paranoia encouraged such actions, as individuals sought to distance themselves from potential accusations and demonstrate their loyalty to Stalin.