How Successful Was Stalin as Leader of the Ussr 1928 - 1953

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Stalin was successful as leader of the USSR between the years 1928 to 1953 to a large extent. On one hand his totalitarian regime enabled vast industrial growth; however his agricultural policies led to miserable conditions in rural areas. Overall one can state that Stalin’s economic system was well suited to the demands of total war. Stalin establishing a totalitarian government led to his success as leader of the USSR. He was supported by the public due to his ruthless and efficient regime during the 1930’s. This was enforced through fear and threats of death and gulags. For example the population suffered immensely during the Great Terror of the 1930s, during which Stalin purged the 'enemies of the people', resulting in the execution of thousands and the exile of millions to the gulag system of slave labour camps.[1] Stalin set up organisations such as GOSPLAN and STAVKA which helped reinforce his authoritarian system. Also writers, artists and musicians were made to produce works or realism glorifying soviet achievements. This appealed to patriotism and made the legacy of the Stalinist system strong[2]. Also the fact that Stalin succeeded in galvanising the nation meant the Stalinist system was well suited to the demands of total war as it was already centrally planned[3]. This advantage led to Stalin being a successful leader of the USSR in those years. Stalin’s economic strategies led to the successful growth of industrialism and modernisation of the USSR. This began with the end of the NEP and Stalin’s creation of collectivisation. Stalin’s desire to modernise agriculture led him to collectivise the farms, amalgamating them and putting them under state control. This did lead to more efficient farming and increased production[4]. 90% of farmland was collectivised by 1937 and production was 80% higher in 1940 than it was in 1913. This economic
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