Home > Horloogiyn Choybalsan

Choybalsan was a close follower of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and emulated his policies in many ways. Choybalsan rose to power with Soviet backing, given as the result of Stalin's displeasure with Mongolian communist leader Peljidiyn Genden. Genden had, among other things, scaled back the implementation of a command economy, refused permission for Soviet troops to be based in Mongolia, and refused an order from Stalin to "liquidate" Buddhist monks. When Stalin increased the pressure on Mongolia, Genden accused Stalin of imperialismImperialism is the policy of extending the control or authority over foreign entities as a means of acquisition and/or maintenance of empires, either through direct territorial control or through indirect methods of exerting control on the politics and/or. In 1936Events January-February January 15 The first building to be completely covered in glass is completed in Toledo, Ohio, for the Owens-Illinois Glass Company. January 20 Death of George V of the United Kingdom. His son Edward VIII succeedes him as King of th, Genden was removed from power, and he was shortly thereafter arrested and killed. Choybalsan, who was willing to follow Stalin's orders without question, gained power.

Choybalsan's rule is generally regarded as being the most tyrannical to have occurred in recent Mongolian history. Under Choybalsan, many purges of " enemies of the people" were conducted. These focused on religious figures, the former aristocracyAristocracy is a form of government in which rulership is in the hands of an "upper class" known as aristocrats . The Greek origins of the word aristocracy imply the meaning of "rule by the best". This inevitably means those with the power to hold wealth,, and on political dissidents. Estimates of the number of people killed vary considerably, but are generally substantial. Choybalsan was also the centre of large personality cult modeled on that of Stalin. On the other hand, during his rule considerable improvements in the country's infrastructure, roads and communication lines were made with Soviet assistance, and steps were taken toward improving the country's literacyLiteracy is the ability to use text to communicate across space and time. It is often reduced to read and write, or, sometimes, the ability to read. In modern context, the word means reading and writing in a level adequate for written communication and ge rate.

Choybalsan held the position of Prime Minister until his death on January 26, 1952. His image in modern Mongolia is mixed: many people still consider him to be a Mongolian hero, but his critics claim that this is merely the result of his propaganda and personality cult. Some Mongolians believe that Choybalsan was merely a puppet of Stalin, and had little choice in his actions. For its part, Choybalsan's party, the Mongolian People's Revolutionary PartyThe Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party ( Mongolian: Mongol Ardyn Khuv'sgatt Nam is a political party in Mongolia. The party is abbreviated MPRP in English and MAKN in the transliterated Mongolian form. The party was the ruling party in Mongolia from 1, criticized him for committing "errors", including the establishment of the personality cult, in 1956. Today, it acknowledges that Choybalsan was a tyrant, but claims that it was just as much victimised by him as were other Mongolians — many party members, particularly followers of Genden, were purged during his rule.