Why did so many people follow Josef Stalin?

Answer 1

To the lower class, he presented himself as a man of the people. He promised changed and gave people hope in a better life without war. And I would think that at one point, people only followed him due to fear.

Many people would admit that although he was heavily crude, he was efficient and accomplished his goals. Communism meant everyone was of the same wealth, so lower class people would benefit.

Alternate opinion:

After two first decades of XX century, Lenin, and then Stalin's rule become a gasp of fresh air for people. Until 1917, the country drowned in corruption and the exploitation of people. Workers and peasants were poor and starving.

Situation radically changed, when Lenin, and then Stalin got to power. People obtained free medicine, free education (not only for children, but for everyone). Many bright, but poor people could learn in college or university. Of course, many rich people were not happy with changes - their private properties had been nationalized, workers get in charge of plants, and big luxury houses has been converted to schools, museums etc.

Many people followed him because of what he would ue and his cruelty. But most others followed him because of, like said above, he offered oppurtunity and stability to many.

As an alternate opinion:

Even brutal dictators have a following. Stalin controlled the press and ruled with an iron hand. He was part of the reason millions of farmers lost their lives due to the Soviet regime. Later Stalin purged thousands of communists he deemed to be enemies of the state. His 5 year plans resulted in famines. Trade unions were controlled by the communist party, strikes were forbidden. Stalin and Hitler run a close race for which dictator was the worst.

Answer 2

Despite all the misery, death and destruction Stalin caused during his rule, many people liked him because the hated Germans were defeated in World War 2 under his leadership. Another reason is that Stalin so controlled the dissemination of information about him that he let only the favorable material go out to the public. Most citizens never knew how evil he really was even though most everyone was suffering terribly under his rule.

Answer 3

If you are reffering to during WW2, if was simply because they were on the same side. They were fighting the same enemy and the Americans very much needed the Soviets as they were holding up the whole Eastern Front all by themselves.

Answer 4

Mostly through fear as if you did not openly support him your lifepsan had a good chance of being cut short.

But many people also supported Stalin and his idealistics.

Answer 5

actually they went along with lenin,anyway they they didn't go along with him but he overthrowed the emperor eventually killing him and his family.

Answer 6

I would go for charisma.