Joseph Stalin Impact

“History shows that there are no invincible armies” (Stalin). Joseph Stalin, founder of stalinism, frowned upon by many, yet worshipped by some, has forged a legacy few can forget through his will of mind and brute military strength. In his 50 years of reign until his death, Joseph Stalin forever changed not only Russia, but the entire world through his contributions to warfare, and through his evolution and spread of communism.
Before one can leave a lasting impact on the world, they must first start within their own country. “Stalin's political, social and economic policies as well as his great negotiating skills and his intelligence network laid the foundations for the USSR's emergence as a superpower” (New World Encyclopedia). After
Many of these contributions hidden from modern day textbooks due to Stalin’s brutal and ruthless style of leadership. “To this day the war is remembered very vividly in Russia, Belarus, and other parts of the former Soviet Union as the "Great Patriotic War," and May 9, "Victory Day," is one of Russia's biggest national holidays” (New World Encyclopedia). Stalin’s involvement and overall impact in WWII vastly shortened the war and stopped the possibility of an axis victory. Although Stalin was not a bright strategist, his lack of knowledge was made up for by the sheer force of the USSR’s military strength and discipline. After the end of WWII, Stalin entered and ultimately ended another major standoff; the cold war. “His blockade of Berlin in 1948-49 threatened a third global war” (World History). With nuclear arms at the ready, Stalin hammered another nail into the coffin of positive relations with the US. Although the war was never fought, its impact is still felt today in worldwide
In many Asian and European countries, communism is a leading political system due to Stalin’s forceful and rapid expanse of ideals. “After the war's end, Stalin seemed to be determined to make the Soviet Union dominant in Europe and to impose Communism on the world” (World History) Stalin’s initial recognition and support towards many communists states still shows today in their political and economic ties. Joseph Stalin was one of the first leaders to recognize the People’s Republic of China as a formal state; soon to follow suit was North Korea. “The Soviet Union soon after recognized Mao's communist People's Republic of China, which it regarded as a new ally although Mao felt that he did not receive proper treatment or appreciation from Stalin when he visited the Soviet Union after he assumed control of the Chinese mainland” (New World Encyclopedia). While supporting the warring North Korean communist state against the South Korean democratic state, Stalin deepened the political and economical wound with the US, who had been supporting South Korea; all the while forming relations that still stand today. Although the two states mentioned above are the most well known, many little-known slavic nations also have felt both Stalin’s wrath and support through communist ideals.
Joseph Stalin, a many shunned by many has impacted the world more than what most non-communist states would like