Stalin's iron grip, holding the Soviet Union under the gun for over 35 years, nearly crumbled the entire nation despite its economic developments. How could this censurable tyrant remain in power for such a long time? History suggests that it was his undisputable title as a dictator, prudent government policies, and innumerable purges that helped him. Tangible facts, however, are too shallow to support such an enigmatic question. It was Stalin's shrewdness, bestial characteristics, and the careful developments of conspiracies that really provided a firm foundation for his totalitarian government to be built upon.

Glimpses of Stalin's wit can be seen through his secretive actions. He kept Lenin, sick, but powerful, away from politics and justified by saying that it was to allow him some time to recover. His real intention, of course, was to remove Lenin from power so that he could take over. Giving the wrong date...