Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a prominent Russian novelist and dissident, was exiled from the Soviet Union due to his outspoken criticism of the government and its oppressive policies. This decision followed years of surveillance and persecution by the Soviet authorities, especially after the international success of his book, 'The Gulag Archipelago.' Released in 1973, the work provided a harrowing account of the labor camps and the repressive nature of Stalin's regime, prompting widespread attention and discontent both inside and outside the Soviet Union.

As Solzhenitsyn’s literary and political significance grew, so did the risks he faced. In the early 1970s, the Soviet government intensified its crackdown on dissidents, leading to several arrests and the silencing of critical voices. On February 12, 1974, Solzhenitsyn, who had already been subjected to a series of restrictions, was formally exiled. He was stripped of his Soviet citizenship, marking the end of his time in his homeland and the beginning of a new chapter abroad. Initially relocating to Switzerland, he later settled in the United States, where he continued to write and advocate for his beliefs.

During his years in exile, Solzhenitsyn remained an influential figure, using his platform to speak out against the Soviet government and the injustices faced by his compatriots. He published several works, including 'The Oak and the Calf,' detailing his experiences and thoughts during his exile. His writings served as a rallying point for those opposing totalitarianism, and he became a symbol of freedom and perseverance. In 1994, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Solzhenitsyn returned to Russia, where he continued to be a controversial and important voice in post-Soviet affairs.