Stalinism: The Essential Readings

This book comprises twelve essays on Stalinism by leading international historians, whose work presents a range of interpretations regarding Stalinism’s origins and consequences. In particular the essays address the following questions: why did the October Revolution of 1917 result not in a communist utopia but in the Stalinist dictatorship, with prison camps, bloody purges, and unprecedented state repression? was Stalin personally to blame or were these events the result of social forces, socialist ideology, or the international threat? how did Stalinism affect women and gender roles? what was Stalinist policy toward ethnic and national minorities? what impact did the Second World War have on Soviet society? The chapters include work by both eminent historians and younger scholars who have conducted research in the newly-opened Russian archives. These perspectives are brought together by the editor who provides a contextualizing chapter and introductions to the debates. The book provides students and teachers with a valuable overview of the scholarship on Stalinism and an understanding of the debates that have shaped the field of Soviet history.