Joseph Stalin consolidated power in the Soviet Union following Vladimir Lenin's death in 1924. As leader, Stalin instituted radical economic policies including rapid industrialization and the collectivization of agriculture. This modernization had great success but was also extremely brutal, resulting in millions of deaths. Stalin ruled with an iron fist and purged perceived political opponents through executions and the Gulag system of forced labor camps. While Stalin cultivated a cult of personality, his totalitarian regime was criticized after his death in 1953.

1. Joseph Stalin: “Man of Steel”

11. A worker who bungled a job, such as allowing a faulty transmission to pass through an assembly line was considered to have wrecked “socialist property.” This was considered sabotage and punishable by death. 5 years forced labor was considered a light sentence: What is your sentence? 25 years For what? nothing You’re lying—in our country for nothing they only give you 5 years! Poetess Tanya Khodekevich was sentenced to 10 years for writing, “you can pray freely, but just so only God can hear” The Terror

13. Indoctrination and Propaganda

14. Indoctrination and Propaganda

15. Indoctrination and Propaganda Four... Three... Two... One...

16. Indoctrination and Propaganda

17. Indoctrination and Propaganda Potsdam Conference before... and after... Time’s “Man of the Year”

20. Full Circle...