Joseph Stalin arose from political obscurity to control the USSR by 1939 and become one of history's most notorious leaders. Stalin was able to control the Soviet party, the rural and urban workers, and finally the opposition. Firstly, before Stalin became a prominent figure in the Soviet party, he had to develop his power base, starting from his time in the Bolsheviks. Secondly, Stalin was able to control his party with clever political manoeuvring from his positions in the Orgburo, Politburo and as General Secretary. Furthermore, through collectivisation and industrialisation, Stalin was able to ensure his power over the rural and urban workers respectively. Finally, the great purges of the 1930's oppressed the opposition to Stalin and secured his control over the USSR by 1939.

Firstly, during the power struggle of the 1920's, it was Stalin's key positions and political and public manipulation that enabled him to succeed Lenin and...