An in-depth look at the life of Josef Stalin, charting his childhood in Georgia, his rise to power as the dictator of the Soviet Union and his impact on the post-war world. The experts explore Stalin's early life, his role in the Russian Revolution, the implementation of collectivization, the Holodomor, and the Great Terror, as well as his personal dictatorship, alliance with Nazi Germany, and the connection between Stalinism and Leninism. They also discuss his personal life, intelligence, and the devastating effects of his rule on Russia.
Stalin's rise to power after Lenin's death solidified his role as the dictator of the Soviet Union.
Stalin's implementation of policies such as collectivization and the five-year plan resulted in devastating consequences such as the Holodomor.
Deep dives
Stalin's Early Life and Rise in the Russian Revolution
Stalin, originally named Gare, was born in Georgia and came from a poor family. Despite a rebellious nature, he excelled as a student and attended an ecclesiastical seminary where he rebelled against the strict discipline before leaving. He later joined the revolutionary movement and played a leading role among the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Stalin's Relationship with Lenin and his Rise to Power
Stalin had a complex relationship with Lenin. Although Lenin initially valued Stalin's practical skills and trusted him, they eventually fell out over political disagreements. However, Stalin played a significant role in leading the Bolsheviks in the months leading up to the October Revolution and emerged as a key figure within the party. He consolidated his power after Lenin's death and gradually rose to become the dictator of the Soviet Union.
Stalin's Policies and Impact
Stalin implemented policies such as collectivization and the five-year plan to rapidly industrialize and transform the Soviet Union. These policies were marked by brutality, including forced collectivization that resulted in the Holodomor, a devastating famine in Ukraine. Stalin also initiated the Great Purge, which involved mass arrests, trials, and executions of perceived political enemies. World War II further impacted Stalin's authority, as the Soviet Union suffered significant destruction and economic hardships. Additionally, Stalin's alliance with Nazi Germany in 1939 proved to be a miscalculation, leading to strained relations with the Western powers during the early stages of the Cold War.
Josef Stalin is a titan of modern history – and one of its most infamous leaders, responsible for the deaths of millions. Danny Bird spoke to Robert Service to chart the Soviet tyrant's life, from his childhood in Georgia to his rise to become the dictator of the Soviet Union and an architect of the post-war world.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.