Stalinist Russia refers to the period of Soviet history under the leadership of Joseph Stalin from the late 1920s until his death in 1953. This era was marked by rapid industrialization, collectivization of agriculture, and the establishment of a totalitarian state. The government controlled all aspects of life, including the economy, media, and education, leading to significant social and political changes. During this time, the regime implemented widespread purges and political repression, resulting in the imprisonment and execution of millions. The Great Purge of the late 1930s exemplified this brutality, as Stalin sought to eliminate perceived threats to his power. Despite the harsh conditions, the Soviet Union emerged as a major world power by the end of World War II.