How Did Stalin Become An All-Powerful Leader

After centuries of neglect from the various Tsars, the common people of Russia successfully revolted against sovereign rule and established a new government, one that was intended to be for the working class. Spearheaded by Vladimir Lenin, Russia became the first Communist country, giving equal rights to all (including women) and distributing property evenly amongst peasants. Lenin was praised by the people of Russia for being a man that focused on the common good of all and had the best interests of the working class at heart. After his death, Joseph Stalin inherited the title as the leader of the Soviet Union. Though he was expected to carry out Lenin’s efforts and help keep Russia a communist nation, he instead ruled as a ruthless dictator, …show more content…
He created schools where artists and writers could receive training, and then commissioned works from these artists that portrayed him as an all-powerful leader. A.O. Avidennko was one such recipient of an arts education through Stalin’s schools, and he credits him by writing “I write books. I am an author. All thanks to thee, O great educator, Stalin.” Avidenko thanks Stalin, whom he calls “great educator” numerous times throughout his hymn, for allowing him to have a career as a writer. Stalin’s reign also gives Avidenko content to write about. He writes that he is incredibly grateful for the ability to pursue a career that he loves and is passionate about. A career author who was an avid supporter of both Stalin and the Communist Party, Avidenko expressed gratitude for being able to do what he loves (write) while simultaneously being able to serve Stalin. Avidenko proclaims that he “shall be eternally happy and joyous, all thanks to thee, great educator, Stalin.” The author again praises Stalin for allowing him to have a career that he loves, while also providing evidence of Stalin’s mission to have only positive things written about