HISTORY 1917-1971: Stalin's revolution

Year Published: 1967

Complete Record: Continues narrating the events of Russia's ascention to power after the death of Lenin. The presenter begins by asking how Russia developed into a superpower from its position of widespread depression in 1924. The film introduces Trotsky and defines his attitude in contrast to Stalin's: where Trotsky wanted international Communism, Stalin wanted to make Russia great. The filmmakers credit Stalin's heavy industrialisation as the primary means of Russia's strength. It draws attention Stalin's control over his country, detailing the 'purges' of the thirties and the poverty, insecurity and fear that existed at the time. It narrates the Russian role in WWII, focusing on Stalingrad and concludes with a description of Stalin's position at the time of his death: his grasp on the Soviet bloc and plans for a second purge that never actually happened.