Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during the majority of World War II?

The leader of the Soviet Union during the majority of World War II was Joseph Stalin. He took control of the Soviet Union after Vladimir Lenin's death in 1924 and held power throughout the war, which lasted from 1939 to 1945. Stalin was pivotal in the Red Army's efforts against Nazi Germany, especially following the brutal invasion known as Operation Barbarossa in 1941. His leadership style was marked by a focus on industrialization, collectivization of agriculture, and a brutal political regime that suppressed opposition.

By the end of the war, Stalin had not only solidified his power but also expanded the Soviet Union's influence throughout Eastern Europe, setting the stage for the Cold War. His decisions during the war, including the signing of the non-aggression pact with Germany and subsequent military strategies, were crucial in shaping the outcome of the conflict and the post-war geopolitical landscape.

The context surrounding the other figures helps to clarify why they do not fit this role during World War II. Vladimir Lenin led the country before Stalin but died in 1924, well before the war began. Leon Trotsky was an important figure in the early years of the Soviet regime and a key leader during the Russian Civil War, but he was expelled from