The KGB, which stands for Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti, was the main security agency for the Soviet Union from 1954 until the country’s dissolution in 1991. The KGB was a direct successor of preceding agencies such as the Cheka, NKVD, and MGB. It was the chief government agency of “union-republican jurisdiction”, acting as internal security, intelligence, and secret police. The KGB was known for its many espionage activities worldwide until the end of the Cold War.
Related Questions
1. What were the roles of the KGB?
The KGB had many roles. One of its primary responsibilities was to spy on other nations to gather information which would be beneficial to the Soviet Union. It was also responsible for the country’s internal security, counter-intelligence, and controlling the country’s political organizations.
2. When was the KGB dissolved?
The KGB was dissolved on December 3, 1991, just a few days before the official dissolution of the Soviet Union.
3. What came after the KGB?
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the KGB was divided into the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the newly formed Russian Federation.
4. What was the KGB known for worldwide?
The KGB was infamously known worldwide for its intelligence and secret police functions. It conducted many high-profile covert operations and was involved in multiple international controversies and incidents throughout the Cold War era.
5. How effective was the KGB?
The KGB was considered highly effective at collecting intelligence information around the globe. It’s believed to have been successful in infiltrating various governments and organizations, providing the Soviet Union with valuable information during the Cold War.