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Soviet Union-
Joesph Stalin-Changed his last name to Stalin which means "Man of Steal". Grew up poor. Beaten by his father. He got a scholarship to be a priest.
Stalin's' Rise to power-war part of underground political group. Joined the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin. Was arrested many times . Soviet Union was founded in 1922. He lost his power when he died.
Stalin's Policy's Prior to WWII- Purges and deportations to slave labor camps in Siberia. Strengthened the intelligence and secret service. Nationalization and collectivization of the Soviet economy. Industrialization of the Soviet economy. Five year plans. Policies led to famine in Ukraine (5-10 million died-considered a genocide by some). Banned religion.
Impact of WWII on Russia-5,756,000 Russians died, 66% of population. Many people got married before the men were sent off to war. Many people were put on rations. Many people starved to death.
Home-front-Industries were abandon. Majority of USSR was dedicated to war efforts. Severe poverty, rations. United and grew Nationalism. Harshest conditions were in Moscow and Leningrad.
Nonaggression Pact-Two countries agreed not to attack each other. Not to support any third power.
Soviet Battles-Leningrad-Operation Barbarossa, city of Leningrad surrounded, 3 million civilians refusing to surrender, Germans cut supply lines, 1.5 million Soviet deaths, Moscow-Hitler Considered it the heart and deciding factor of capturing Russia, Stalingrad-Winter choked German forces, Russian Army of 1 million surrounded the German forces. Turning point of eastern war. Casualties topping 2 million, Kursk-, Berlin-Russia pushed German forces back they attacked Berlin.
Basic Facts-Casualties-23,200,000. Cost $192 Billion. War goals-They would not retreat, shot anyone who tried. Expand land.
Impact of WWII- Set up Communist Governments. Became a leading world power. 25% of country's resources were destroyed.
USSR in WWII- Signed Non-Aggression Pact in 1939. Invaded Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland
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