Answer:
Stalin altered photographs to literally erase certain people from history.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 1930s, Stalin radicalized and became paranoid. He was afraid of being overthrowed by other members of the Soviet Communist Party. He also disliked any type of criticism and some intellectuals were daring to criticize him. He decided to start a purge. He ordered the deaths of hundreds of writers, journalists, and political adversaries. Afterwards, he ordered the alteration of photographs were these executed people appeared. He wanted them to be forgotten from public life.