1. By: Chris Vicino English A

2.  Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) was the dictator of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) from 1929 to 1953. Under Stalin, the Soviet Union was transformed from a peasant society into an industrial and military superpower. However, he ruled by terror, and millions of his own citizens died during his brutal reign. Born into poverty, Stalin became involved in revolutionary politics, as well as criminal activities as a young man. (“Joseph”)

3.  Joseph Stalin lead Russia throughout World War Two and up to his death in 1953. He was leader of Russia when Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa in June 1941 and saw his nation survive the battles fought at Moscow and Leningrad and oversaw a vital victory at the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942/43.

4.  Joseph Stalin had many ideas and accomplished many things as a leader. He aimed to create a perfect Communist state in Russia. He planned to transform the Soviet Union into a totalitarian state. He built a police state to maintain power. He also launched the Great Purge, a campaign of terror directed at eliminating anyone who threatened his power. He gained total control of the Soviet government and Communist Party.

5.  Stalin missed much of the activity leading up to the Russian Revolution in 1917 because he was exiled to Siberia from 1913 to 1917.  Upon his release in March of 1917, Stalin resumed his role as a Bolshevik leader.  In just two days, the Bolsheviks had taken over Petrograd, the capital of Russia, and then became the leaders of the country.

6. “Joseph Stalin.” 1996-2013, A&E Television Networks, LLC http://www.history.com/topics/joseph-stalin 1996–2013 A+E Television Networks, LLC “Joseph Stalin biography” http://www.biography.com/people/joseph-stalin-9491723 2000-2013 HistoryLearningSite.co.uk (What he did slide) http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/joseph_stalin.htm Beck, Roger, and Linda Black, eds. Modern World History. CA Edition. Sacremento, CA: McDougall, Litell, 2006. Print. "Joseph Stalin." Web. 9 Feb. 2010.. "Joseph Stalin." World Book Student. Web. 3 Feb. 2010..