3. Khrushchev (1958 to 1964)
Khrushchev was premier of the Soviet Union between 1958 and 1964. His rule was a total contrast to that of Stalin's; he ended the 'terror' and started a process of 'de-stalinisation'; he initiated a policy of 'co-existence' with the West and he tried to change the direction of the Soviet economy. However, there were clear limits to 'de-stalinisation' and many of his domestic initiatives failed to achieve the goals...