Stalin

Joseph Stalin was one of the most influential figures in world history, ruling the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death in 1953. Born into a poor family in Georgia, he rose through the ranks of Lenin's Bolshevik Party and eventually became General Secretary of its Central Committee. After Lenin's death, Stalin quickly consolidated power by purging any potential rivals within the party and imposing his own authoritarian rule over Russia and Eastern Europe. He also transformed the Soviet Union into an industrial superpower through rapid modernization efforts such as collectivization and five-year plans. 


Stalin is remembered for instituting harsh policies that resulted in millions of deaths during periods like the Great Purge or the Holodomor famine, which were used to maintain control over citizens throughout Eastern Europe and Siberia while advancing communist ideology across Eurasia. His actions led to deep-seated distrust between the East and West during much of the 20th century due to their ideological differences regarding state governance. Despite this legacy, many Russians still consider him a great leader who successfully defended against Nazi Germany during World War II with courage under immense pressure from all sides, earning him admiration even among those who oppose communism today.