Abstract

The chapter gives an account of the trials in October 1937 of the leading writers S. Buyannameh and M. Yadamsüren and shows the effect of the Soviet-style purges on literature at the time. Accusations of spying for the Japanese and of other counterrevolutionary activity meant that very few intellectuals and creative artists were untouched by the trials. Those who were – including writers such as D. Sengee, who was openly supportive of the Party's trajectory – benefited by replacing those who were executed as well as those who had been removed from their positions. Among some younger writers, an interest in Socialist Realism resulted in an increase in texts about industrialization, the Young Pioneers, the ‘friendship’ between Mongolia and the Soviet Union, and the growing cult of personality surrounding Choibalsan.

Keywords: Great Repression, Stalinist purge, Stalin, Young Pioneers, modernization policies

Everyone has a light side and a dark side. When a person dies, the nation's population, those who are left behind, indeed everything fine which had formed this person, remains. This is why our Mongolian people protect those pure ways which will not disturb those who have died.