Joseph Stalin is a major figure in history known for his leadership of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He played a crucial role in implementing policies that transformed the USSR into a major world power following World War II. Stalin’s era was characterized by intense political repression, rapid industrialization, and the establishment of a totalitarian state. His foreign policy decisions, including the Berlin Blockade and his involvement in the Yalta Conference, significantly affected international relations during the mid-20th century. Stalin's legacy remains controversial, marked by both industrial achievements and severe human rights abuses.