Gulag: A History

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 6

Part 2, Chapters 7-12

Part 2, Chapters 13-18

Part 3, Chapters 19-23

Part 3, Chapter 24-Epilogue

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Analyze the role of the Gulag within the Soviet economic system. How did it serve both political and economic ends? How does Applebaum explore this dual function in Gulag?

Explore the evolution of the Gulag system from its inception under Lenin through its expansion under Stalin and eventual decline in the post-Stalin era. How did shifts in Soviet leadership and political ideology affect the operation and justification of the labor camps?

Examine the psychological and social effects of the Gulag on prisoners. What were some of these effects? How did various prisoners respond to these effects in different ways?