On December 21, 1879, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. In 1922, he would become leader of the USSR until his death in 1953. During his time as Soviet dictator, Stalin industrialized his country, which he then led to become one of the world's two superpowers after WWII. Through his infamous purges, show trials and nationwide famines, Stalin also became responsible for more deaths than any man in history.



Read documents regarding the USSR under Joseph Stalin from the U.S. Library of Congress.