First of all, Stalin realised that there was growing opposition to him. His policies of collectivization and industrialization were ruthless and this caused him to gain many opponents. Stalin aimed to get rid of all opposition by arresting and trying his opponents for various crimes. These people were sent to labour camps in isolated parts of the USSR and some were executed. Some simply 'vanished'. When a popular leading communist, Kirov, who had voiced opposition, was assassinated, most likely by Stalin's secret police, many people were arrested for plotting to kill Kirov. They were all found guilty and were either sent to labour camps or executed. Stalin later established a new constitution, which was supposed to protect the rights and...