2. Stalin's rule (1941 - 1953)
Stalin had hoped to avoid a war with Hitler by signing the Non-Aggression Pact. However, this hope ended with Operation Barbarossa in 1941. This was to lead Stalin into an alliance with the West and ultimate victory over Hitler. However, the impact on Soviet citizens was profound.
1. The impact of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945)
The Nazi invasion of the USSR - Operation Barbarossa - was initially very successful. However, following the Battle of Stalingrad, the Soviets were able to force the Nazis to retreat.
2. Events in the Soviet Union (1945–1953)
This page examines the political and economic developments in the USSR between 1945 and 1953.