The Siberian Gulag refers to a network of forced labor camps established in the Soviet Union, particularly in Siberia, during the 20th century. These camps were used to detain political prisoners, criminals, and various groups deemed undesirable by the government. Conditions in the Gulag were harsh, with inmates facing extreme cold, hard labor, and inadequate food. The term "Gulag" is derived from the Russian acronym for "Main Administration of Camps." The system peaked in the 1930s and 1940s, reflecting the repressive policies of Joseph Stalin's regime. Many prisoners suffered from malnutrition, disease, and brutal treatment, leading to high mortality rates.