The early-mid 1900’s led to the rise of some of the world’s most notorious and dangerous leaders: Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union, and Mao Zedong of China. Known for their ruthlessness and radical reform, these two dictators created a long-term legacy of both progress and struggle during their reigns. Stalin’s path to power occurred in Russia within the Soviet Union, serving as the Secretary of the Communist Party and an important assistant to the controlling Lenin. Utilizing his position, he got many of his companions into powerful governmental positions and was able to gain political support until he eventually took over after Lenin’s death in 1924. Mao Zedong, over in China, was a school teacher during the majority of his years prior to the May Fourth Movement.…