Joseph Stalin's rule was profoundly politically and economically beneficial to the Soviet Union until 1938, however it had a significant negative social impact. In the late 1920s Stalin was appointed general secretary of the Bolshevik Party in 1922. In 1924 Stalin expanded the functions of his role, while eliminating any opposition. By the late 1920s he effectively became the dictator of the Soviet Union, ruling with autocracy. Stalin aimed to industrialize Russia so that it could become a great world power. Although Stalin's five-year plans toward industrialization were effective, the substantial impact of the purges and the failure of collectivization far outweighs any of Stalin's economic and political benefits. Stalin firmly believed that collectivization would be beneficial to the economy, however collectivization was ineffective due to the lack of cooperation from the kulaks and peasants. Stalin had strong control over the economy and forced collectivization with his supreme power. (HISTORY.com,. 2014). Stalin believed that collectivization would increase agricultural production while solving the agricultural distribution crisis. (McCauley, 1983, p. 25) Increasing agricultural production was important to assist Russia's desperately needed industrialization. (Baker, C., 1990, p. 38) The plan appeared to be successful: by 1935, 94% of agricultural land had been collectivized and the kulak class had been eliminated. The kulak class consisted of the wealthier peasants who owned and rented agricultural land. They did not want to produce more than was necessary for their sustenance. (Baker, C., 1990, p. 39) Stalin used force against peasant resistance to collectivise their plots of land. The peasants preferred to kill... middle of paper, he maintained a strong dominion over Russia by being able to implement his policies. His industrialization plan led to a profound improvement in industrial production. Stalin equipped Russia with nuclear energy, bringing economic benefits. Works Cited Baker, C. (1990). Russia 1917-1945 (1st ed.). Oxford: Heinemann Educational.McCauley, M. (1983). Stalin and Stalinism. (1st ed.) Harlow, Essex, England: Longman.Acienciala.faculty.ku.edu, (2014). Communist nation since 1917. [online] Available at: http://acienciala.faculty.ku.edu/communistnationssince1917/ch3.html [Accessed 14 May. 2014].HISTORY.com,. (2014). Joseph Stalin - Facts and Summary - HISTORY.com. Retrieved May 9, 2014, from http://www.history.com/topics/joseph-stalinHistorylearningsite.co.uk. (2014). Life in the USSR under Stalin. Retrieved May 9, 2014, from http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/Stalins%20Russia.htm