... goal. The 1930s was an especially turbulent time for the USSR. Despite successful efforts to mechanise industry (Baykov, 1946), the country remained in economic turmoil. Concentration to alleviate this economic situation through Stalin's 5 year plans succeeded to some extent, but as consumer goods and food were neglected, the standard of living severely fell, and famine grew (Hobsbawm, 2001). Furthermore, the fear of being arrested or executed for being anti-communist was unfortunately very realistic, as the period of the Great Purge from 1936-38 proves (McAuley, 1992). Indeed, during this period "the most committed member of the regime may be arrested" (McAuley, 1992, p.50). Many Soviets believed in the promise that the harsh Stalinist brand of communism would deliver a better life for future generations, both nationally and internationally (McAuley, 1992). However, it was fear that made those less convinced tow the line. In his younger years, Kopelev admits he unquestioningly ...

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