What was the main purpose of the Gulag system?

The Gulag system primarily served as a means of suppressing dissent and maintaining control over the population in the Soviet Union. It functioned as a network of forced labor camps where individuals deemed to be a threat to the state—such as political dissidents, intellectuals, and regular citizens expressing opposition to government policies—were imprisoned. By instilling fear and punishing those who opposed or criticized the regime, the Gulag effectively acted as a tool for the government to eliminate opposition and reinforce its authority. This system was an integral part of the Stalin regime's broader strategy to consolidate power, control public opinion, and ensure a homogeneous ideological framework throughout the society. The harsh realities of life in the Gulags also served as a grim reminder to the populace of the consequences of dissent, further contributing to the suppression of varying political and social viewpoints.