Joseph+Stalin

**Joseph Stalin**
Joseph Stalin was born Losif Vissarionovich Djugashvili on December 21, 1879. He grew up as an only child with his parents in the small town of Gori, Georgia, which is a part of the Russian empire. As he aged he looked up to and read every Revolutionary article ever written by Vladmir Lenin. In 1913 he adopted the last name Stalin from the Russian word that means "man of steel". But, shortly after Lenins death stalin managed to defeat his political rival Leon Trotsky for power of Russia. Joseph Stalin ruled as dictator of the Union Soviet Socialist Republics from 1924 to 1953. But as ruler he never allowed no one to oppose his decisions. Peasants feared him and felt that he was a bad leader because they knew that he punished, executed, or jailed anyone who he felt might threaten his rule. Throughout his ruld he constantly changed policies and manipulated the population. After the German Army attacked Russia in World War II and nearly defeated the Soviet Union, Adolf Hitler officially became Joseph Stalins second enemy. Sadly, Stalin died on March 5, 1953 for reasons unknown. After his death, many communist governments started to use his style of rule which they eventually named Stalinism.
 * By: Shovana Benders and Monique Cox**

Joseph Stalin is very similar to Napoleon in Animal Farm because, as dictator Stalin allowed no one to oppose his decisions. If they did oppose them they were punished, executed, or jailed. He also feared that they might threaten his rule therefore, he would constantly change policies as well as manipulate the Russian population. But, in Animal Farm with Napoleon as leader, he constantly changed the original seven commandments and used the other animals, except the pigs, to his advantage.

 **Sources** Marrin, Albert. "Joseph Stalin." //World Book //. 2006 ed. Vol. So-Sz. 824-28. Print "Stalin, Joseph." //Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition //. Web. 20 May 2011. .