Josef Stalin

Josef Stalin was a Soviet leader who ruled the USSR from the 1920s until his death in 1953. He transformed the Soviet Union into a major industrial power through strict policies and collectivization, but his rule was also marked by brutal repression, political purges, and widespread human rights abuses. Stalin worked to consolidate power, often eliminating rivals and enforcing strict control over society. His leadership significantly impacted global history, shaping the course of World War II and the Cold War era. Despite his legacy of modernization, his governance caused immense suffering for many millions of people.