Joseph Stalin, a man who not only played a crucial role in the Russian revolution, but also went on to become one of the world’s most malicious and bloodiest dictators. How was he able to attain so much power, and why did no one see it coming? This tyrant was a determined man, and he did not stop for anyone. Throughout the Russian Revolution, he methodically networked, eventually using these connections to climb the totem pole straight to the top.
Joseph Stalin’s formative years played a large role in his future. His shoemaker and drunk of a father, regularly beat him, and like it would anyone, it took a toll. He became vindictive and untrusting towards others, only caring about himself (Stalinist Russia, 1924-1953). He was one of the very few Bolsheviks that came from a background such as this. Joseph was a committed communist. Even at the young age of 20, he was being expelled from the Tiflis Orthodox seminary for his communist philosophies (Stalinist Russia, 1924-1953). Communism is a political theory derived from Karl Marx (Marxism), wherein the economy and political state of the country is publicly owned as well as communal control of major means of production such as mines, mills, and factories.
Communism can be categorized as a form of socialism but with different views on the distribution of wealth among the people, as well as the management and and authority over the economy (Ball, Dagger). He was arrested six times between 1902 and 1913 for his affiliations and contributions in strikes and violent attacks for the sake of his marxist views (Stalinist Russia, 1924-1953). He deemed this cause worthy of his actions. In 1910, Stalin became a full fledged revolutionary, mainly following Vladimir Lenin and his teachings. Lenin was a political activist who founded the Bolshevik party–the very same party where young Stalin got his start as a political activist in 1901. Eventually, Lenin came to power after overthrowing the provisional government of Russia. (fig. 1) Vladimir Lenin (left) and Joseph Stalin (right) After the end of the Russian Revolution, Lenin became the first leader of the new communist ruled Russia. (History.com Editors)
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Under his orders, Stalin started working odd tasks that no one else was willing to complete. He became one of Lenin’s closest associates, or so he later claimed. Stalin was appointed to General Secretary of the new communist party. This role in the new government was not a notable position until Stalin took control and gained power over all party member appointments, allowing for networking, and eventually almost all party members owed their positions to him. (Joseph Stalin Biography). By the time they realized this, it was far too late. Even Lenin, who was the originator, was helpless to Stalin.
The Apprentice had surpassed the Master. Joseph Stalin was cunning and manipulative, he played his cards right when it came to gaining his power. He cared more for personal power and he worked efficiently to make sure he was going to come out on top. 1929 was the year that Stalin’s dictatorship became official. He set in motion a set of five year plans in hopes of transforming the Soviet Union into an economically successful country. (History.com Editors).
This plan revolved around government control over the economy, also known as communism. He first introduced it by seizing farmers’ land in the name of the government. Many of these farmers felt that they should not comply and felt the wrath of Joseph Stalin. As a repercussion, farmers were either killed without question, or exiled. (History.com Editors). Stalin’s actions were meant to help the county transform into a industrial superpower, but instead led to a widespread famine across the Soviet Union that cost millions of people their lives.
