How did Joseph Stalin impact World War 2?

Answer 1

He was the dictator who ruled the Soviet Union before, during and after World War 2. He had to guide the country through the war, and was involved in the post-war settlement.

However, he was a ruthless and cruel despot who recklessly and mercilessly slaughtered his own citizens- even his most loyal followers- because he was paranoid that someone was going to try to overthrow him. Just prior to the start of the war, he massacred millions of his own people, including many soldiers and even high ranking military officers, in the so-called "Great Purge".

When the Germans invaded Russia in 1942, the Soviet military was still recovering from the slaughter, so they were initially not able to stop the German advance. Had Stalin not executed so many of his own soldiers and generals, Germany might not have been so successful in their invasion. Of course, Germany was eventually stopped and defeated by the Soviets- but it probably would've been a lot easier.

Answer 2

he helped end the war