Ep 3. Stalin: Russia's Steel Tyrant

Stalin: Russia's Steel Tyrant is the third episode of the second season of Evolution of Evil, a documentary series that explores the lives and actions of history's most infamous dictators. In this episode, the focus is on Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the young Stalin, who grew up in poverty in Georgia and was initially involved in the revolutionary movement that sought to overthrow the Tsarist regime in Russia. Stalin rose quickly through the ranks of the Communist Party, becoming a key ally of Vladimir Lenin and eventually succeeding him as leader of the Soviet Union.

The bulk of the episode is devoted to exploring the atrocities that Stalin committed during his time in power, including the widespread purges and executions that characterized his regime. Viewers are shown archival footage of Stalin giving speeches and attending military parades, and the narrator describes the way in which he used his personal charisma and cult of personality to consolidate his power.

The episode also delves into Stalin's role in World War II, portraying him as a ruthless but effective warrior who cared little for the lives of his soldiers. Viewers see footage of the Soviet Union's victory over Germany and the subsequent occupation of Eastern Europe by Soviet troops.

Throughout the episode, historians and other experts provide analysis and commentary on Stalin's leadership style and the impact that his actions had on the Soviet Union and the world as a whole. They debate whether he was a necessary evil in the fight against fascism or whether his crimes against his own people make him an irredeemable monster.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are reminded of the legacy of Stalin's reign, which included the deaths of millions of people and the creation of a surveillance state that was unrivaled in its scope and brutality. The narrator notes that, despite his death more than 60 years ago, Stalin remains a controversial figure whose legacy continues to be debated by historians and others.

Overall, Stalin: Russia's Steel Tyrant is a sobering look at one of the most notorious figures in 20th century history. It provides a detailed and nuanced portrayal of Stalin's life and actions, and is sure to leave viewers with a deeper understanding of the impact that his reign had on the world.