The Soviet Union had numerous leaders throughout its existence as a country. However, there are some leaders who will forever remain in Russian history books and lectures. Among those leaders who had the greatest influence on the Soviet Union are; Vladimir Lenin, Peter the Great, Alexander Kerensky and Joseph Stalin, to name a few. While all leaders are interesting and have influence on Russia, this research paper will focus specifically on Joseph Stalin. Joseph Stalin led the Soviet Union for over 20 years and certainly had a unique way of doing so. Although Stalin helped turn Russia into a world superpower, he was a murderous dictator who, among other things, is responsible for millions of innocent lives, genocide, and famine. While Stalin's birthday is printed in different places as two different dates, Iosiph Vissarionovich Djugashvili was born on December 21, 1879 in Gori, Georgia (Montefiore 2004). Stalin was born to “illiterate peasant parents,” Vissarion and Ekaterina, and his father is said to be the cause of his ruthless soul. According to the Jewish Library, he was beaten undeservedly by his father and this was a reason for him to have feelings of revenge towards all those who had power over him (Jewish Virtual Library 2011). He eventually changed his name to Joseph Stalin, meaning "Man of Steel." Some sources say that Lenin is mentioned in his name change (stal + Lenin = Stalin) (Jewish Virtual Library 2011). When Stalin was only seven years old his face was permanently frightened after he contracted a case of smallpox. Iosiph attended church school when he was young and would do so later at his mother's preference (Radzinsky 1996). Stalin was involved in two ac... of paper... of the tyrannical reign, millions of innocent Soviets suffered murder, false imprisonment, famine, brainwashing and terror. They constantly feared being subjected to unjustified arrest or execution. They feared for the lives of their friends and family, but also for the future of their children and for the future of Russia. Stalin died on March 19, 1962 in Kazan where he was confined. It is thought that he was helped, like his father, to die. I am sure that the Soviet people breathed a sigh of relief, they no longer had to live with such intense fear and anxiety. As terrible as he was, many Russians still believed he was a great leader. Stalin was a murderous dictator who is, among many things, responsible for millions of innocent lives, genocide and famine, however, Russia has Stalin to thank for turning the country into a world superpower.