"大清洗" (Great Purge) refers to a campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union during the late 1930s, primarily under the leadership of Joseph Stalin. It involved the widespread persecution of perceived enemies of the state, including party members, military leaders, and ordinary citizens. During this period, hundreds of thousands were arrested, executed, or sent to labor camps known as Gulag. The Great Purge aimed to consolidate Stalin's power and eliminate opposition, leading to significant changes in the Soviet political landscape and instilling fear among the populace.