Dan Snow's History Hit THE LEADERS: Stalin
24 snips
Mar 19, 2025 
Phillips O'Brien, a Professor of Strategic Studies, and Simon Sebag Montefiore, a renowned historian on Russian history, dive deep into Joseph Stalin's complex legacy. They discuss his ruthless rise to totalitarian power and the strategic miscalculations leading up to and during World War II. The duo examines Stalin's controversial Nazi-Soviet Pact and how his brutal reign reshaped the global landscape. Their insights reveal the intricate interplay of ambition, terror, and diplomacy that defined an era, leaving a shadow echoing through history.
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Stalin's Early Revolutionary Life
- Stalin was a master of espionage and clandestine activity in Tsarist Russia.
- He used aliases, had numerous love affairs, and was exiled to Siberia multiple times.
Stalin's Role in the October Revolution
- Stalin was initially isolated in Siberia during the first revolution.
- He returned to St. Petersburg, becoming crucial in Lenin's security and the October Revolution's planning.
Bolshevik Ideology and the Use of Terror
- The Bolsheviks were a small group who believed a small, ruthless group could change history.
- They were inspired by the French Revolution and willing to use terror to reshape society.