Purging - GCSE History Definition

In the context of GCSE History, purging can mean a couple of things. Politically, it refers to the act of removing people who are considered undesirable or a threat to a certain group, organisation, or government. It often involves getting rid of political opponents, dissenters, or anyone seen as a danger to the existing power. Purges can happen through arrests, dismissals from jobs, or more violent means. An example of this is the Great Purge in the Soviet Union during Joseph Stalin's rule, where many people were accused of being disloyal and were sent to labour camps or executed. Purges are usually carried out to maintain control and authority by eliminating opposition. In the history of medicine, people used to purge their bodies by taking an emetic to make them vomit or a laxative to make them empty their bowels. This was believed to help rebalance the four humours in their body and restore good health.