Kulaks

Real World Example

Kulaks were wealthier peasants in Russia who owned larger farms and employed laborers during the late Russian Empire and early Soviet Union. They became significant during the Rise of Totalitarianism because they resisted Soviet efforts to collectivize agriculture, which was part of Stalin's plan to control the economy and boost industrialization. Their resistance led to severe repression, including arrests, deportations, and even executions, as Stalin aimed to eliminate them as a class. The struggle of the kulaks highlights the importance of individual rights and the dangers of government overreach. Today, their fight for property rights can inspire people who value personal freedom and economic independence, similar to how small business owners advocate for their rights to operate freely without excessive government control.