Joseph Stalin, born on December 18th, 1879, was a significant historical figure known for implementing impactful yet potentially harmful changes. Considered one of the most influential leaders and dictators in Soviet Union history, he held power for twenty-five years and introduced numerous reforms. However, his regime also resulted in numerous deaths of individuals who opposed him.
Joseph Stalin utilized various weapons to successfully achieve the defeat of Nazism. Despite his humble origins in Georgia, which was under Russian control at the time, Stalin demonstrated an early eagerness for learning. This became apparent while attending a theological seminary, where he encountered influential books that sparked his imagination. He found Marxist literature particularly fascinating and started formulating concepts on societal organization.
Choosing not to complete his graduation, he opted to join revolutionary movements against the Russian monarchy. This decision led to various troubles, including multiple arrests and eventual exile to Siberia. However, when the Bolshevik seizure of power took place in 1917, he saw a chance to establish the groundwork for his political career.
Ascending swiftly within the communist party’s ranks, Stalin acquired authority. Following the death of a senior member, Stalin was chosen as their successor and inherited a political position. Gradually, his influence expanded until he ultimately assumed dictatorship in the late 1900s.
The ascent to power by this individual primarily involved stripping power from others and rising against foes of both political and ideological nature. Additionally, he initiated a period known as “The Great Terror,” wherein he conducted purges targeting individuals who opposed him. The punishments inflicted were excessively harsh and diverse, including imprisonment and often deportation following trials. A display trial was conducted in Moscow as a means of demonstrating to other nations how these individuals would be punished and urging them to follow suit.
From 1936 to 1938, there were four mall trials that formed part of the great purge. These trials were known as The Trial of the Sixteen, Trial of the Seventeen, Trial of Red Army generals, and Trial of the Twenty One. Several generals, including Marshal Tchaikovsky and Buchanan, were killed in these trials. Joseph Stalin had a significant impact not only on the history of the Soviet Union but also during World War II when he entered into a pact called the Molotov-Robertson with the Nazis. This pact involved dividing the eastern parts of Europe into two powers.
