Joseph Stalin was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, especially to the Soviet Union. By the time Vladimir Lenin passed away Stalin had almost complete control of the government. With his power over everyone, Stalin forced his biggest rivals out of the contention for leader. In doing this he had freedom to do as he pleased. Joseph Stalin was aware the Soviet Union was far from being where he wanted it to be, so he created the Five-Year Plans. Although, Stalin’s achievements with these plans look great on paper, they may not tell the whole story. In the area of The Communist Party, Stalin attempted to create a equal, classless society, yet in reality Stalin’s government was very divided. Stalin believed to reach an ideal
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Stalin hoped to make the Soviet Union a completely literate country since, at the time, only 12% of peasants were literate. Stalin instituted an education plan in the Soviet Union where every urban area would have schools based on grades. The next time literacy rates were checked, peasants were 23% more literate at 35%. This seems great and all, but the thing is the teachers basically passed every student. Not exactly because their students were doing good, but because if their students struggled, the teachers would feel the consequences. Regardless, it is still impressive Stalin got so many people learning that probably wouldn’t be possible without him. It’s just that the number of students passing is definitely not the actual number. Finally, with industrialization, Stalin sought to catch up with the West but his efforts only resulted in disaster. On paper, Stalin made outstanding advancements in industrialization, putting the Soviet Union on the map. Of course it wasn’t exactly all pretty. The products were rushed and often poorly made, which is understandable given the demand. All in all, Stalin definitely made the Soviet Union better, it’s just lots of corners were cut in order for this to happen. Stalin was a very convincing person, it was the reason why he remained in power so long. Not everything he said would exactly come to fruition, but he tried his
Stalin hoped to make the Soviet Union a completely literate country since, at the time, only 12% of peasants were literate. Stalin instituted an education plan in the Soviet Union where every urban area would have schools based on grades. The next time literacy rates were checked, peasants were 23% more literate at 35%. This seems great and all, but the thing is the teachers basically passed every student. Not exactly because their students were doing good, but because if their students struggled, the teachers would feel the consequences. Regardless, it is still impressive Stalin got so many people learning that probably wouldn’t be possible without him. It’s just that the number of students passing is definitely not the actual number. Finally, with industrialization, Stalin sought to catch up with the West but his efforts only resulted in disaster. On paper, Stalin made outstanding advancements in industrialization, putting the Soviet Union on the map. Of course it wasn’t exactly all pretty. The products were rushed and often poorly made, which is understandable given the demand. All in all, Stalin definitely made the Soviet Union better, it’s just lots of corners were cut in order for this to happen. Stalin was a very convincing person, it was the reason why he remained in power so long. Not everything he said would exactly come to fruition, but he tried his