Joseph Stalin

Joseph Stalin1879-1953

Rise to PowerLenin had wanted Leon

Trotsky to succeed himStalin however, stresses

his eternal devotion to Lenin plans his funeral, gives

speechesStalin becomes General

Secretary of Communist Party 1923

Rise to PowerBy 1927 Trotsky and other rivals are expelled from the

party In 1928 Stalin began the first of his 5-year plans

The goal was to improve industry and agriculture Government takes over

Many resisted this and it was believed that as many as 3 million were killed (Kulaks) Why would the Kulaks resist?

Total PowerCreated the Central Purge Commission in 1933Over a million are kicked out of the partyMillions were sent to gulags, prison labor campsAlso had “Show Trials” between 1937-1938

Stalin’s Rule At the show trials, people were forced to confess and

were executed (torture & rewards; anti-Stalin & spying) It was estimated that 35,000 military officers were

imprisoned or executed This will come back to haunt Stalin Trotsky flees to Mexico

Cult of Personalityarises when an individual uses mass media,

propaganda, or other methods, to create an idealized, heroic, and, at times god-like public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.

Statues were made large to hide the fact that he was only 5 foot 4

Inside North Korea http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/explorer/

videos/inside-north-korea/

Stalin and HitlerHitler and Stalin signed a Non-Aggression Pact in August of 1939Each side vows not to attack the otherWorld War II will start less than two weeks later