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Stalin: A Comprehensive Overview in One Hour

John Keats

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Early Life and Rise to Power

Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin was born on December 18, 1878, in Gori, Georgia, then part of the Russian Empire. His birth name was Ioseb Jughashvili. He was the son of a poor shoemaker and a devout Orthodox Christian mother.

Stalin's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. He attended a seminary in Tiflis (now Tbilisi),where he became involved in revolutionary activities. In 1899, he joined the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP) and became a prominent figure in the party's Bolshevik faction.

Stalin: History in an Hour

by Rupert Colley

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Language	:	English
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After the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, Stalin played a key role in the establishment of the Soviet Union. He served as People's Commissar for Nationalities (1917-1922) and General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) from 1922 until his death in 1953.

The Great Terror

Stalin's rule was marked by the Great Terror, a period of widespread political repression and mass killings. The Terror began in 1936 and lasted until 1938. During this time, millions of people were arrested, tortured, and executed.

Stalin's paranoia and fear of political rivals led to the purging of the Communist Party and the military. Many innocent people were accused of being spies or traitors and executed without trial.

World War II

During World War II, Stalin led the Soviet Union against Nazi Germany. He played a major role in the Allied victory. After the war, Stalin established the Soviet Union as a major superpower.

However, Stalin's post-war policies were marked by a return to repression and the suppression of dissent. He died on March 5, 1953.

Legacy

Stalin's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a ruthless tyrant who oversaw the deaths of millions of people. However, he also led the Soviet Union to victory in World War II and made the country a major world power.

Stalin's legacy continues to be debated today. Some people see him as a great leader who saved the Soviet Union from fascism. Others see him as a brutal dictator who committed crimes against humanity.