Joseph Stalin led the Soviet Union during World War II and died in 1953. His leadership was characterized by totalitarian rule and rapid industrialization. Stalin's strategies significantly influenced the course of the war, with his policies facilitating the Soviet Union's transformation into a military superpower. Despite contentious methods, including purges and forced collectivization, the USSR played a crucial role in defeating the Axis powers. Stalin’s reign left a lasting mark on global politics, shaping the post-war world order.