Joseph Stalin's Biography

Joseph Stalin, born Joseph Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili on December 18, 1878, in Gori, Georgia, was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. Rising from humble beginnings, Stalin became one of the most influential and controversial world leaders of the 20th century. After joining the Bolshevik movement and participating in the Russian Revolution of 1917, he maneuvered his way up the ranks, eventually becoming General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1922. Stalin consolidated power through political cunning, purges, and a regime of intense personal control, which came to be known as Stalinism. He led the USSR through rapid industrialization, the collectivization of agriculture, and the epic struggle against Nazi Germany during World War II. However, his rule was also marked by brutal repression, forced labor camps, widespread famine, and the deaths of millions due to purges and state policies. Despite his harsh methods, Stalin left a lasting legacy on both Russian society and world history, transforming the USSR into a global superpower. A complex figure, he is remembered for both his ruthless pursuit of power and his pivotal role in shaping the 20th century.