Gulag: Soviet Forced Labor Camps and the Struggle for Freedom
Mon, 2007-09-03 11:10 - Kerry
The Soviet Gulag was a massive system of forced labor camps. Throughout its history some 18 million passed through the prisons and camps of the Gulag. Under Stalin, labor camp prisoners became an important resource for the construction of many industries, including the nation's railways and roads, mining operations, and the timber industry. Millions suffered in the camps, many guilty of no crime.
In the eyes of the authorities, a prisoner had almost no value. An unknown number well into the millions died in Gulag camps. Those who died of hunger, cold, and hard labor were easily replaced by new prisoners.
Varlam Shalamov, Russian author who was imprisoned in the Gulag for over twenty years.
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