About
George Robert Acworth Conquest was a British and American historian, poet, and novelist. He was a leading Sovietologist during the Cold War, offering critical analyses of the Soviet Union's political and social structures. Conquest's work held significant influence, particularly on prominent political figures such as Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. He is best known for his book 'The Great Terror', which documented the Stalinist purges of the 1930s.
Career Timeline
'The Great Terror' Published
Book exposes Stalinist purges, establishing Conquest as a leading Sovietologist.
Influences Reagan, Thatcher
His expertise shapes Western policy towards the Soviet Union.
Senior Research Fellow
Joins the Hoover Institution at Stanford, solidifying his position.
National Medal of Arts
Awarded the National Medal of Arts for his contributions to history.
Robert Conquest Dies
Death of a Cold War historian, solidifying his legacy.
Legacy as Soviet Expert
Conquest's works remain influential in understanding Soviet history and the dangers of totalitarianism.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 25, 2026