After Lenin's death in 1924, a power struggle ensued within the Communist Party. Joseph Stalin, a member of the Politburo and the General Secretary of the Communist Party, emerged victorious. He consolidated his power through a series of maneuvers, including:
- Eliminating his rivals: Stalin orchestrated purges within the party, eliminating his opponents and consolidating his control.
- Controlling the media: Stalin used propaganda and censorship to shape public opinion and portray himself as the rightful successor to Lenin.
- Building a cult of personality: Stalin promoted his image as a strong and decisive leader, emphasizing his role in the Soviet victory in the Civil War and his commitment to socialist construction.
Stalin's rise to power marked a shift in Soviet politics. He implemented policies that differed significantly from Lenin's, including:
- Collectivization of agriculture: This policy forced farmers to join collective farms, which were controlled by the state. This resulted in widespread famine and social unrest.
- Rapid industrialization: Stalin's Five-Year Plans aimed to rapidly industrialize the Soviet Union, prioritizing heavy industry at the expense of consumer goods. This resulted in harsh working conditions and a focus on centralized planning.
- Political repression: Stalin's reign was characterized by widespread political repression, including purges of the party, the military, and intellectuals. Millions of people were imprisoned or executed in the Gulag, a system of forced labor camps.
Stalin's rule over the USSR lasted for nearly three decades, leaving a lasting impact on the country's political and social landscape.
