Making The Man Of Steel Stalin

No one was safe from the Soviet Union’s terrifying tyrant, who would stop at nothing in his quest for absolute power

- David J Williamson

From relative obscurity to absolute ruler of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin’s journey to power was deeply rooted in his self-belief and determination to succeed. His apparent talent for organisation brought him to the attention of those much more in the spotlight, a backroom planner who shared their communist ideals – often with a chilling passion – and who could further the ‘cause’ and make them look good in the bargain.

But what they did not count on was the ruthlessness with which he was planning his own future, his place in the Russian Communist Party, and in history. As his career progressed and his power grew, he was able to turn his talents into a weapon with which to eliminate his political opponents with seemingly effortless ease, and bring the ordinary people of Russia to their knees.

Almost completely devoid of personal loyalty, he was able to play the political game with a clear conscience, a fervent distrust of almost everyone around him, and freedom from the shackles of complicated personal relationships that could leave him vulnerable. And yet, ironically, the loyalty he demanded from others was unconditional, and when it failed would lead him to cold-blooded revenge and paranoia. A firm believer in placing Russia’s interests as he saw them at the top, he (unlike many of his comrades) focused on what he felt was needed to consolidate the socialist cause at home, and his dealings with foreign powers, at least in the short term, was conciliatory. Stalin wanted to be left alone to build his country as he saw fit. In reality, he was to become one of the most feared and despised dictators of all time, so that even after his death, his own country was willing to sacrifice his memory in order to distance itself and its ideology from such a regime of horror and fear.

REVOLUTIONARY RISE