Joseph Stalin, under the alias Koba, emerges as a bank robber amidst turmoil. He struggles with love for a woman he can't forget while wrestling with the choice between fatherhood and revolution. The chaos of his stagecoach heist reveals deeper motivations that intertwine crime and ideals. Balancing parental duties with revolutionary fervor, he faces personal loss and the burden of his wife’s illness. Meanwhile, feelings of abandonment during exile spark profound transformation as he prepares to fully embrace his role in the revolution.
Koba's audacious bank robbery not only showcased his ruthless ambition for revolution but also illustrated the extreme violence he was willing to employ.
His personal losses and struggles in relationships, particularly with his wife Kato, deeply influenced his radicalization and commitment to revolutionary causes.
Deep dives
The Heist of June 26, 1907
Koba, known for his audacity, meticulously planned a bank robbery that would cement his reputation as one of the greatest thieves. On the day of the heist, his gang, comprising armed men and women, executed a distraction scheme while explosives were set to create chaos. The robbery took a gruesome turn as simultaneous detonations led to a horrific scene in the town square, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Despite the odds, Koba’s gang seized an astonishing sum equivalent to $3.75 million, showcasing the extreme measures they took to finance the revolution.
The Rise of Koba
Koba, later known as Joseph Stalin, showed signs of his revolutionary fervor early in life, influenced by the writings of Marx and Lenin. His impoverished upbringing fueled his resentment towards the social hierarchy, making the idea of revolution appealing to him. As a young man, he immersed himself in the underground world of political thought and criminal activity, believing that violent upheaval was the only way to create change. This radicalization characterized his life as he worked with other revolutionaries to dismantle the existing system.
Conflicts with Authority and Exile
Koba frequently engaged in conflict with authorities, leading to multiple arrests and a challenging life on the brink of capture. His first major arrest occurred after police infiltrated a revolutionary meeting, leading to his brutal treatment and further radicalization behind bars. Exile became a common punishment, yet Koba often managed to escape, reflecting his cunning nature and desire for freedom. His time in Siberia, though harsh, also allowed him to refine his revolutionary tactics amidst a background of hardship and survival.
The Personal Cost of Revolution
Koba struggled to balance his revolutionary ambitions with personal relationships, particularly with his wife Kato, who suffered due to his relentless dedication to the cause. Kato's illness during a time of extreme deprivation ultimately led to her tragic death, profoundly affecting Koba's view on humanity and relationships. His grief transformed into a commitment to revolution, leading him to even more extreme measures against his perceived enemies. This personal loss further disconnected him from his familial obligations, illustrating the sacrifices many revolutionaries made for the sake of their beliefs.
A new mission, a new identity. Joseph Stalin, using the name Koba, takes on his latest role in the name of the Revolution: bank robber. He still found time for romance, though, falling hard for the only woman he would truly ever love. Now he faced a choice: fatherhood… or the Revolution?
Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon
Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks
Audio Producer: Craig Thompson
Writers/researchers: Mandy Reid, Amy Watkin, Kari Anton, Sharon McMahon, Melanie Buck Parks