The Soviet Union's Communist Party was the ruling political party in the Soviet Union, established in 1912. It played a central role in the country's governance, promoting the ideology of Marxism-Leninism. The party aimed to create a classless society through state control of the economy and collective ownership of resources. Throughout its history, the Communist Party maintained strict control over political life, suppressing dissent and opposition. Key leaders included Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin, who shaped the party's policies and direction. The party's influence waned after the Cold War, leading to its dissolution in 1991, marking the end of the Soviet era.