The Moscow Trials were a series of political trials held in the Soviet Union during the late 1930s, primarily targeting members of the Communist Party and other perceived enemies of the state. These trials were part of a broader campaign known as the Great Purge, initiated by Joseph Stalin to eliminate opposition and consolidate his power. The most notable trial, the First Moscow Trial, took place in 1936 and involved prominent Bolsheviks accused of conspiracy and treason. The trials were characterized by forced confessions, fabricated evidence, and a lack of fair legal procedures. Many defendants were sentenced to death or long prison terms, and the proceedings were heavily publicized to instill fear and demonstrate the regime's authority. The Moscow Trials played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Soviet Union and contributed to the atmosphere of repression during Stalin's rule.