Stalin rose to power by masterminding takedowns of rivals post-World War I chaos.
Stalin ruthlessly eliminated dissent through the Great Purge to consolidate his dictatorship.
Deep dives
Joseph Stalin's Exile and Rise to Power
Joseph Stalin is exiled to Siberia, but a twist of fate spares him from military service, marking the start of his remarkable rise. His strategic appointment as General Secretary of the Communist Party gives him the key to power, enabling him to outmaneuver rivals and cement his position.
Stalin's Elevation and Lenin's Death
Stalin seizes power after Lenin's death, maneuvering to become Lenin's heir through careful organization and political acumen. By orchestrating Lenin's funeral and leveraging his rhetorical skills, Stalin establishes himself as the true successor, consolidating his authority within the Soviet Union.
Agricultural Reforms and Famine
Stalin implements collectivization in agriculture, targeting kulaks and instituting state control over farming. His policies lead to a devastating famine, causing widespread suffering and death, particularly in Ukraine. The pursuit of industrialization comes at a dire cost to the rural population.
The Great Purge and Kirov's Assassination
Stalin initiates the Great Purge, eliminating dissent through show trials and executions to solidify his power. Kirov's assassination becomes a pretext for targeted purges of perceived threats, clearing the way for Stalin to eliminate rivals and consolidate his grip on the Soviet Union.
With the First World War underway, Stalin’s journey to dictatorship grinds into gear. After the War, Russia is turned upside down. Stalin thrives in the chaos, masterminding a string of elaborate takedowns of his rivals. Rising to party leader, he visits a ruthless purge on his enemies. But Stalin’s brutality does not go unchallenged. The peasants revolt, while a showdown with his own wife at a dinner party has tragic consequences.
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