NKVD meaning

NKVD, an acronym for People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, was the leading Soviet security and secret police organization during Joseph Stalin's regime.


NKVD definitions

Word backwards DVKN
Part of speech NNP (proper noun)
Syllabic division The syllable separation of the word NKVD is NK-VD.
Plural The plural of the word "NKVD" is "NKVDs."
Total letters 4
Vogais (0)
Consonants (4) n,k,v,d

Overview of NKVD

The NKVD, which stands for People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, was a Soviet security agency that operated during the period of Joseph Stalin's rule. It was established in 1934 and played a central role in Soviet repression and state terror. The NKVD was responsible for conducting political repression, enforcing Stalin's policies, and carrying out mass arrests, deportations, and executions.

Functions and Responsibilities

The NKVD had a wide range of functions and responsibilities, including conducting surveillance, censorship, and counterintelligence operations. It was also in charge of internal security, border guards, and firefighting services. The agency had a vast network of informants and spies, allowing it to monitor and control Soviet citizens' activities.

Notorious Operations

One of the most notorious operations carried out by the NKVD was the Great Purge, also known as the Great Terror, which took place from 1936 to 1938. During this period, hundreds of thousands of people were arrested, tortured, and executed for alleged crimes against the state. The NKVD targeted not only high-ranking officials but also ordinary citizens, intellectuals, and members of the military.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of the NKVD is one of fear, oppression, and brutality. The agency's actions during Stalin's rule led to the deaths of millions of people and the destruction of countless lives. The NKVD's tactics included arbitrary arrests, forced confessions, and show trials, creating a climate of terror and paranoia throughout the Soviet Union.

Final Thoughts

The NKVD was a powerful and ruthless instrument of Stalin's dictatorship, carrying out his policies of control and suppression with brutal efficiency. Its legacy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked state power and the devastating consequences of political repression. The NKVD's impact on Soviet society and history is profound, leaving a dark chapter that continues to be examined and remembered today.


NKVD Examples

  1. During Stalin's reign, the NKVD was notorious for its brutal tactics.
  2. The NKVD was responsible for numerous political purges in the Soviet Union.
  3. Many victims of the NKVD's secret police were unjustly imprisoned or executed.
  4. The NKVD played a key role in suppressing dissent and maintaining control over the population.
  5. Some historians believe that the NKVD's actions were instrumental in consolidating Stalin's power.
  6. The NKVD was involved in espionage and counterintelligence activities both domestically and internationally.
  7. The NKVD operated a network of informants to root out perceived enemies of the state.
  8. The NKVD was disbanded in 1946 and replaced by the MGB.
  9. Declassified documents have shed light on the extent of the NKVD's crimes against humanity.
  10. The NKVD's legacy continues to be a dark chapter in Russian history.


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  • Updated 15/04/2024 - 23:42:44