Stalin's Legacy Josef Stalin is a name famous throughout the world for invoking terror at the mere thought of his dictatorial reign, purges and labor camps; yet nearly half of Russians still see him as one of their greatest leaders. This is a man who during his reign caused the deaths of 23 million people, many of whom were innocent Russian citizens. A combination of Stalin's long-term effect on Russia through modernization, collectivization, and improved social services, as well as the expansive use of propaganda to achieve a "cult of personality" continued to influence the Soviet Union until today in the management of his country. This caused many Russians to excuse his mistakes (such as the Great Purge). Modern education in the Soviet Union also developed to teach Russians to think of Stalin as a "necessary evil" necessary for the country's progress. These factors ensured that Stalin remained one of the most important and recognized figures in Russian history, allowing his "legacy" to live on. To come to power Stalin first had to eliminate his opposition, but he did so in a way that made him appear innocent. Lenin died on 21 January 1984 after having a major stroke (the last of three) and modern doctors say that his cerebral arteries were "so calcified that when struck with tweezers they sounded like stones". It is theorized that Stalin may have caused his death, and even a letter written by Stalin says: “On Saturday 17 March in the strictest secrecy… I, Stalin, should take responsibility for finding and administering to Lenin a dose of potassium cyanide. It seemed impossible to refuse him... when necessary I will grant his request without hesitation." Even if he later claimed that he could not communicate ...... middle of paper ...... rnization in conditions of scarcity of resources, loyal to the supreme power and immaculate from the point of view of executive discipline." There are many differences in their version of history, for example in Russia they are taught that World War II began in 1941 and that for three years Russia fought alone until D-day in 1944. Western education similarly downplays the teaching the Soviet Union's role in the defeat of Hitler, Russia excludes Great Britain and the role of the United States in World War II 2007 a historical guide for teachers of the Soviet Union was published, in which Stalin was declared ". the greatest Russian leader of the 20th century." history would influence Russians to believe that Stalin's crimes were not as "bad" as they are portrayed, and that they were in fact necessary for Russia to become what it is today.