Stalinism is a political system and ideology associated with the leadership of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. It is characterized by a centralized government, state control of the economy, and the use of propaganda to maintain power. Under Stalin, the Soviet Union underwent rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture, which aimed to transform the economy but often led to widespread famine and suffering. Stalinism also involved the suppression of political dissent and the establishment of a totalitarian state. This included the use of secret police, purges, and show trials to eliminate perceived enemies. The regime's policies resulted in millions of deaths and significant human rights abuses, leaving a complex legacy that continues to be debated by historians.