Throughout history, we have seen a number of leaders. Some have brought greatness to our world but we have also seen the destruction one powerful person can cause. However, this was not the case for Joseph Stalin. Joseph Stalin brought about great reform to the country of Russia throughout the reign of the totalitarian government. In power from 1918 to 1953, Stalin controlled every aspect of Russia. Although Stalin's long run as controller of Russia caused good for the country itself, this good hid the detrimental treatment of Stalin towards his citizens.
             Although Stalin proved good for his country, a few negative qualities are evident in him. Instead of being a civil democratic leader, Stalin chose the route of dictatorship. Stalin showed no sympathy or mercy in his decisions and everything he did would benefit him in some way. If something conflicted with what he was trying to accomplish, he would find a way to have what he wanted. "In December 1934 Sergei Kirov, the Communist Party leader in Leningrad, was murdered. It is now widely believed that his murder was ordered by Stalin, who was frightened, because Kirov appeared to be more popular than he was. As a result of this murder Stalin initiated 'The Purges' as a means of removing any perceived opposition. "
             Stalin also handpicked his secret police in order to guarantee himself that he would be above the law. To prove that he could play God and be a true dictator, Stalin changed capital punishment to include all ages, men, women and children; this meant anyone could be executed when he wanted them to be.
             Stalin also portrayed defiant character in the way that he treated his citizens throughout his execution of his five year plan. He treated his citizens with the utmost disrespect while he disregarded their status and belongings and took them as his own. He killed millions of his country's own citizens and caused severe hardship for those he allowed to li...