Nikita Khrushchev and Georgy Zhukov conspired against Lavrentiy Beria, the notorious chief of the Soviet secret police, in the aftermath of Joseph Stalin’s death in March 1953. Beria, who wielded immense power during Stalin's regime, became a target of political maneuvering due to his ambition, control over state security, and the fear he inspired among other Soviet leaders. Here's why Khrushchev and Zhukov aligned against him:
1. Beria’s Threat to Collective Leadership
After Stalin’s death, a collective leadership was established among the top Soviet officials, including Khrushchev, Malenkov, Molotov, and Beria. However, Beria's dominance over the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), which controlled the secret police, prisons, and internal security forces, gave him unparalleled leverage.
Beria was known for his ruthless methods, and his ability to arrest or eliminate political rivals at will made him a threat to the other leaders. Khrushchev, in particular, saw Beria as a dangerous competitor who could seize dictatorial power.
2. Beria’s Reformist Image
In the months following Stalin’s death, Beria sought to position himself as a reformer. He implemented policies to reduce the influence of Stalinist repression, including releasing some prisoners from the Gulag, easing restrictions on national minorities, and advocating for a softer stance on East Germany.
While these reforms might have been genuine or strategic, they alarmed other Soviet leaders, including Khrushchev, who feared Beria was consolidating popular and political support to establish himself as the sole ruler.
3. Zhukov’s Motivation: Revenge and Patriotism
Marshal Georgy Zhukov, a celebrated World War II hero, had personal reasons to oppose Beria. Under Stalin, Beria played a role in sidelining and humiliating Zhukov, accusing him of arrogance and political disloyalty. Beria's secret police orchestrated purges and investigations against military officers, which alienated many, including Zhukov.
Zhukov’s involvement in the conspiracy against Beria was driven by a combination of personal animosity and a desire to prevent the secret police from regaining its grip over the military and Soviet society.
4. Khrushchev’s Political Calculations
Khrushchev, a masterful political operator, sought to outmaneuver his rivals and secure his position as the de facto leader of the Soviet Union. He recognized that Beria’s control over the security apparatus made him the most immediate obstacle to this goal.
By allying with Zhukov and other key figures, Khrushchev orchestrated Beria’s downfall, portraying him as a counter-revolutionary and a danger to the Party.
5. The Conspiracy and Beria’s Arrest
In June 1953, Khrushchev and his allies in the Presidium plotted to remove Beria. At a key meeting, Khrushchev accused Beria of treason and attempting to seize power. With Zhukov’s support, loyal military forces were brought into Moscow to ensure Beria’s arrest.
Beria was detained, tried in a closed tribunal, and executed in December 1953. His elimination marked the end of the Stalinist secret police era and cemented Khrushchev’s rise to power.