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In the context of the question regarding the cause of the most deaths in the USSR between 1917 and 1987, let's analyze the provided options:
a) Work camps (the gulags): The gulags, or forced labor camps, were utilized by the Soviet government as a means of political repression and forced labor. While conditions in the gulags were harsh and led to significant loss of life, they were not the primary cause of the most deaths in the given time frame.
b) Famine: Famine was a significant issue in the Soviet Union, notably during Stalin's rule, where policies such as collectivization led to widespread food shortages and starvation. Famine did result in substantial loss of life during this period.
c) World War I and World War II: The impact of both World War I and World War II cannot be underestimated in terms of the human cost. These wars resulted in massive casualties, including military personnel and civilians, making them major contributors to the overall death toll.
d) Terror and deportation: The policies of terror, including purges and deportations under leaders like Stalin, caused immense suffering and loss of life among the Soviet population. These actions had a profound impact on the death toll during the specified time period.
Considering the options presented, the most deaths in the USSR between 1917 and 1987 were primarily caused by a combination of factors, including famine, World War II, and the policies of terror and deportation. These factors collectively contributed to a significant loss of life in the Soviet Union during this time.
