1. Thesis Statement – Example #1 From his voracious appetite for power to his relentless persecution of millions of innocent Soviet citizens, Stalin left behind a legacy of terror. 1)How he gained power 2)His evil deeds 3)Impact he had on the world

2. Thesis Statement - Example #2 Influenced by his commitment to Marxist ideals, Joseph Stalin ruled the former Soviet Union with an iron fist and forced the world to acknowledge Russia as one of the formidable super powers of the twentieth century. 1)What influenced him 2)Type of ruler he was 3)Impact on the world

3. Thesis Statement – Example #3 The character of Joseph Stalin was marked by a troubled childhood, a stubborn adherence to communism, and a cruelty seldom seen in the history of the world. 1)Background 2)Philosophies 3)Impact on the world

4. Thesis Statement – Example #4 To understand how Joseph Stalin was able to rule the Soviet Union with an iron fist, one must look at his childhood, his belief in communism, and his masterful use of fear and propaganda. 1)Background 2)Philosophies 3)Methods (terror/propaganda)