Joseph Stalin
Soviet dictator who consolidated power through purges and industrialization.
Quick Facts: Who was Joseph Stalin?
- Subject:
- Joseph Stalin
- Known for:
- Soviet dictator who consolidated power through purges and industrialization.
- Born:
- 1878-12-18
- Died:
- 1953-03-05
- Century / Era:
- 1878s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (born Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili; 18 December 1878 – 5 March 1953) was a Soviet politician and revolutionary who ruled the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death in 1953, holding the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1952 and the nation's Premier from 1941 to 1953. Initially presiding over an oligarchic one-party system that governed by plurality, he ultimately became the de facto dictator of the Soviet Union by the 1930s.
Career & Major Achievements
Ideologically committed to the Leninist interpretation of Marxism, Stalin helped to formalise these ideas as Marxism–Leninism, while his own policies became known as Stalinism. Born into a poor Georgian family in Gori, Russian Empire, Stalin began his revolutionary career by joining the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party as a youth.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
There, he edited the party's newspaper, Pravda, and raised funds for Vladimir Lenin's Bolshevik faction via robberies, kidnappings, and protection rackets. Repeatedly arrested, he underwent several internal exiles.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Notable Quotes by Joseph Stalin
“The question is not whether we shall have peace, but whether we shall have power.” (1922)
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Joseph Stalin
True or False: “Joseph Stalin's policies, including forced collectivization and the Five-Year Plans, were instrumental in transforming the Soviet Union into a major industrial power.”
Answer (TRUE ⭕): While the human cost was catastrophic, the industrialization efforts under Stalin did successfully build a powerful, modern military-industrial base for the USSR.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Ahn Chang Ho — Contemporary (Born in 1878) (1878): Pioneering Korean independence activist and leader of the Korean-American community.
- Alfred Döblin — Contemporary (Born in 1878) (1878): Pioneering German modernist novelist, essayist, and doctor, famed for Berlin Alexanderplatz.
- André Citroën — Contemporary (Born in 1878) (1878): Pioneering French industrialist and founder of the iconic Citroën automobile brand.
- Ahmad Shah Massoud — Contemporary (Born in 1953) (1953): Afghan military leader, known as the "Lion of Panjshir", fought against foreign occupations.
- Alan Moore — Contemporary (Born in 1953) (1953): Pioneering British comic book writer celebrated for deconstructing genre tropes.
- Alex Gibney — Contemporary (Born in 1953) (1953): Acclaimed American documentary filmmaker known for investigative works on power and belief.
- Alejandro Sanz — Shared historical date (12-18 · Born) (1968): Iconic Spanish singer known for flamenco-infused ballads and global success.
- Alexei Kosygin — Shared historical date (12-18 · Died) (1980): Soviet statesman who chaired the Council of Ministers from 1964 to 1980.
- Abdullah al-Sallal — Shared historical date (03-05 · Died) (1994): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
- Alessandro Volta — Shared historical date (03-05 · Died) (1827): Pioneering Italian physicist, credited with the electric battery and electrochemistry.
- 1878 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1878
- December 18 (12-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 18
- 1953 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1953
- March 5 (03-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 5
Frequently Asked Questions about Joseph Stalin
Who was Joseph Stalin and what are their primary contributions?
Soviet dictator who consolidated power through purges and industrialization. Origins & Early Life: Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (born Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili; 18 December 1878 – 5 March 1953) was a Soviet politician and revolutionary who ruled the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death in 1953, holding the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1952 and the nation's Premier from 1941 to 1953. Initially presiding over an oligarchic one-party system that governed by plurality, he ultimately became the de facto dictator of the Soviet Union by the 1930s.
When was Joseph Stalin born and during which historical era did they live?
Joseph Stalin was born on 1878-12-18 and passed away on 1953-03-05. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 1878 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Joseph Stalin?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia