Joseph Stalin Biography

Appointed Member of Bolsheviks

Losif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili took the name Stalin, meaning "man of steel"

Losif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili took the name Stalin, meaning "man of steel"

Stalin, with a group of exiles, leaves Achinsk for Petrograd

Released by the February Revolution from exile in Turukhansk, arrives in Petrograd

Returns from exile and helps edit the Bolshevik newspaper

At Byelo-Ostrov Station, Finland Railway, Stalin, Ulyanova and a delegation of Petrograd and Sestroretsk working men and women meet Lenin on his return from exile and accompany him to Petrograd

Stalin takes part in the conference of leading members of the Bolshevik Party and in the joint meeting of Bolshevik and Menshevik delegates to the Alln Conference of Soviets where Lenin expounds his April Theses

Stalin takes part in the conference of leading members of the Bolshevik Party and in the joint meeting of Bolshevik and Menshevik delegates to the Alln Conference of Soviets where Lenin expounds his April Theses

Stalin takes part in the conference of leading members of the Bolshevik Party and in the joint meeting of Bolshevik and Menshevik delegates to the Alln Conference of Soviets where Lenin expounds his April Theses

Moves from cautious support for the Provisional Government toward Lenin's line

Lenin and Stalin guide the work of the 7th Alln Conference of the Bolshevik Party

Lenin and Stalin guide the work of the 7th Alln Conference of the Bolshevik Party

Stalin attends the sittings of the First Alln Congress of Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies

The First Alln Congress of Soviets elects Stalin a member of the Central Executive Committee

The First Alln Congress of Soviets elects Stalin a member of the Central Executive Committee

Stalin and Sverdlov direct the 6th Congress of the Bolshevik Party

Stalin and Sverdlov direct the 6th Congress of the Bolshevik Party

Sixth Congress of the RSDLP occurs, representing 240,000 party members, since Lenin is in hiding, Stalin delivers the report on the work of the Central Committee, the Congress resolves that a peaceful revolution has become impossible

Stalin is elected to the Central Committee of the Bolsheviks

Stalin is elected to the Central Committee of the Bolsheviks

At a plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee Stalin is appointed editor of Rabochy i Soldat

Stalins article "All Power to the Soviets!" appears in Rabochy Put, No. 13

Stalins article "All Power to the Soviets!" appears in Rabochy Put, No. 13

The Party Central Committee approves the list of Bolshevik candidates to the Constituent Assembly, which includes Lenin and Stalin

The Party Central Committee approves the list of Bolshevik candidates to the Constituent Assembly, which includes Lenin and Stalin

Lenin and Stalin attend a meeting of the Party Central Committee where Lenins resolution on armed insurrection is approved and a 7 man Political Bureau of the CC headed by Lenin and Stalin is setup to direct the uprising

Lenin and Stalin direct an enlarged meeting of the Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party Stalin sharply criticizes the speeches of the traitors Kamenev and Zinoviev on the question of armed insurrection

Lenin and Stalin direct an enlarged meeting of the Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party Stalin sharply criticizes the speeches of the traitors Kamenev and Zinoviev on the question of armed insurrection. A Party Centre, headed by Stalin, is elected to direct the uprising

Lenin and Stalin direct the October armed uprising

Lenin and Stalin direct the Second Alln Congress of Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies

Lenin and Stalin direct the Second Alln Congress of Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies

Declares the Siege of Tsaritswyn

The Politburo is first composed of Lenin, Trotsky, Kamanev, Bukharin & Stalin

Appointed Member of Revolutionary Military Council

Appointed Commissar for Nationalities

Appointed General Secretary of the CPSU

Stalin signs an instruction of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Southern Front to the armies of the front for the capture of Rostov

Stalin signs an order of the day of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Southern Front congratulating the armies of the front on the defeat of Denikins armies and the capture of the Donbas and Rostov

Stalin signs an order of the day of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Southern Front congratulating the armies of the front on the defeat of Denikins armies and the capture of the Donbas and Rostov. Stalin informs Lenin of the capture of Rostov by Budyonnys Cavalry

A German Treaty is signed in Italy, recognizes the Soviet Union

A German Treaty is signed in Italy, recognizes the Soviet Union

Stalin signs an instruction of the Revo-lutionary Military Council of the South-Western Front to the Command of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Armies on measures for the defense of Odessa

Stalin signs an instruction of the Revolutionary Military Council of the South-Western Front to the Commander of the First Cavalry Army to demolish the Kiev group of the Polish armies

The Government supports the Kuomingtang led by Sun Yat-sen & forms an alliance

The Government supports the Kuomingtang led by Sun Yat-sen

The Government supports the Kuomingtang led by Sun Yat-sen & forms an alliance

Influences Communist International strategy after Lenin's death

Eliminates the opposition of Trotsky, Kamanev, Bukharin & Rykov

After Lenins death in 1924, a power struggle between the pro-NEP and anti-NEP escalated eventually into the creation of the first planned economy under Stalin

Captures the Don Basin from the Ukraine

Captures the Kuban from the Ukraine

The period up to 1928, is known as the "Second Period", mirroring the shift in the USSR from war communism to the New Economic Policy. Stalin upholds the thesis of "socialism in one country", detailed by Nikolai Bukharin

Stalins "Socialism in one country" conflicts with Trotskys "Permanent Revolution". Removes Trotsky as Commissar of War

Gosplans work is coordinated with the USSR Central Statistical Directorate, the Peoples Commissariat of Finance, and the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy (Vesenkha), and later with the State Bank (Gosbank) and State Supply Committee (Gossnab)

Gosplans work is coordinated with the USSR Central Statistical Directorate, the Peoples Commissariat of Finance, and the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy (Vesenkha), and later with the State Bank (Gosbank) and State Supply Committee (Gossnab). During 1925 Gosplan starts to create annual economic plans, known as "control numbers"

Stalin upholds the thesis of "socialism in one country", detailed by Nikolai Bukharin

"Socialism In One Country" is finalized as the state policy after Stalin's January 1926 article On the Issues of Leninism

Stalin makes the party line clear: "An internationalist is one who is ready to defend the USSR without reservation, without wavering, unconditionally; for the USSR it is the base of the world revolutionary movement, and this revolutionary movement cannot be defended and promoted without defending

The dream of a world revolution is abandoned after the failures of the Spartacist uprising in Germany and of the Hungarian Soviet Republic, and the failure of all revolutionary movements in Europe, such as in Italy, where the fascist squadristi broke the strikes and quickly

assumed power following the 1922 March on Rome.

the USSR.

"Socialism In One Country" is finalized as the state policy after Stalins January 1926 article On the Issues of Leninism

The dream of a world revolution is abandoned after the failures of the Spartacist uprising in Germany and of the Hungarian Soviet Republic and the failure of all revolutionary movements in Europe such as in Italy

for the USSR it is the base of the world revolutionary movement, and this revolutionary movement cannot be defended and promoted without defending the USSR

where the fascist squadristi broke the strikes and quickly assumed power following the 1922 March on Rome. Stalin makes the party line clear: "An internationalist is one who is ready to defend the USSR without reservation, without wavering, unconditionally

The dream of a world revolution is abandoned after the failures of the Spartacist uprising in Germany and of the Hungarian Soviet Republic, and the failure of all revolutionary movements in Europe, such as in Italy, where the fascist squadristi broke the strikes and quickly assumed power following the 1922 March on Rome

The dream of a world revolution is abandoned after the failures of the Spartacist uprising in Germany and of the Hungarian Soviet Republic, and the failure of all revolutionary movements in Europe, such as in Italy, where the fascist squadristi broke the strikes and quickly assumed power following the 1922 March on Rome

Berlin Treaty of friendship & neutrality between Germany & Russia

Berlin Treaty of friendship & neutrality between Germany & Russia

Berlin Treaty of friendship & neutrality between Germany & Russia

Has Zinoviev ousted from the Politburo. Has Trotsky ousted from the Politburo

Expels all opposition from the International during a Comintern Executive meeting

Expels all opposition from the International during a Comintern Executive meeting. At the 15th Congress expels 75 of the Opposition & 18 Democratic Centrists

Oppositionists including Trotsky are exiled by Stalin

Has Trotsky exiled

Britain severs diplomatic relations with Russia

Decides to break the truce with the internal Communist Party opposition

The opposition is not allowed to speak. Describes the opposition as a "combination of castrated forces"

Trotsky is expelled from the Communist Party, leaving Stalin in undisputed control

The 1st 5 yr plan is promised by the Communist Party

The 1st 5 yr plan is promised by the Communist Party

When the XVth Party Congress made Opposition views incompatible with membership in the Communist Party, Zinoviev, Kamenev and their supporters capitulated and renounced their alliance with the Left Opposition

China & Russia break off diplomatic relations

The 9th Plenum of the Executive Committee begins the so-called "Third Period" lasting until 1935 as the Comintern proclaims that the capitalist system is entering the period of final collapse and as such

The Comintern describes all moderate left-wing parties as "social fascists", and urges the Communists devote their energies to the destruction of the moderate left.

The Comintern proclaimed that the capitalist system was entering the period of final collapse, and that as such, the correct stance for all Communist parties was that of an highly aggressive, militant, ultra-left line.

The period, up to 1928, is known as the "Second Period", mirroring the shift in the USSR from war communism to the New Economic Policy.

and urges Communists to devote their energies to the destruction of the moderate left. In 1928, the 9th Plenum of the Executive Committee began the so-called "Third Period", which was to last until 1935

the correct stance for all Communist parties is that of a highly aggressive militant ultra-left line & in particular the Comintern describes all moderate left-wing parties as "social fascists"

Stalin, after consolidating power, ends the NEP in 1928. In order to ensure the success of the five year plans plan it is necessary to ensure that inputs from one part of the economy match outputs from another part of the economy, Gosplan achieved this by using a methodology called the system of material balances

With the introduction of five-year plans Gosplan becomes responsible for their creation and supervision according to objectives set by the All-Russian Communist Party. In order to ensure the success of the five year plans plan it is necessary to ensure that inputs from one part of the economy match outputs from another part of the economy, Gosplan achieved this by using a methodology called the system of material balances

With the introduction of five-year plans Gosplan becomes responsible for their creation and supervision according to objectives set by the All-Russian Communist Party. In order to ensure the success of the five year plans plan it is necessary to ensure that inputs from one part of the economy match outputs from another part of the economy, Gosplan achieved this by using a methodology called the system of material balances

Meets the Chinese Communist Party Leaders to exercise his influence over them

Stalin, after consolidating power, ends the NEP in 1928

50 engineers are charged with wrecking & espionage. At the "Industrial Party" trial many are charged with foreign industrial espionage

The period, up to 1928, is known as the "Second Period", mirroring the shift in the USSR from war communism to the New Economic Policy

The Comintern describes all moderate left-wing parties as "social fascists", and urges the Communists devote their energies to the destruction of the moderate left

The 9th Plenum of the Executive Committee begins the so-called "Third Period" lasting until 1935 as the Comintern proclaims that the capitalist system is entering the period of final collapse and as such

The Comintern describes all moderate left-wing parties as "social fascists", and urges the Communists devote their energies to the destruction of the moderate left.

and urges Communists to devote their energies to the destruction of the moderate left

the correct stance for all Communist parties is that of a highly aggressive militant ultra-left line and in particular the Comintern describes all moderate left-wing parties as "social fascists"

It labelled moderate left-wing parties social fascists and urged communists to concentrate on destroying the moderate left.

The Comintern declared that capitalism was entering final collapse and ordered communist parties to adopt an aggressive, militant, ultra-left policy.

The Executive Committee's Ninth Plenum began the Comintern's Third Period, which lasted until 1935.

50 engineers are charged with wrecking & espionage

War is outlawed & disputes must be settled peacefully. 65 states including Russia & the USA sign the Kellog-Briand Pact

Breaks with the New Economic Policy & introduces 5 yr plans

From 1928 to 1991 the entire course of the economy was guided by a series of Five-Year Plans

The "Plan Era" of 5 year economic plans lasts from 1928-1939. Replaces the New Economic Policy with the 1st 5 Year Plan, the market is eliminated. Peasants are forced to join collectives or state farms. From 1928 to 1991 the entire course of the economy was guided by a series of Five-Year Plans. Detailed plans for food production are laid down by Gosplan

The slogan "The five year plan" in 4 years is adopted as quotas are revised upwards

The NEP is replaced by a 5 yr plan at the 15th Party Congress

The NEP is replaced by a 5 yr plan at the 15th Party Congress. Kulaks respond to increased collectivization by reducing output & slaughtering stock

The NEP is replaced by a 5 yr plan at the 15th Party Congress

Forestalls a possible formation of an anti-Soviet front by the Kellogg Pact states

Expels TU leader Tomsky for opposition to industrialization & collectivization. Expels the "right opposition" ftom the CP. Expels Rykov from the CP for opposition to industrialization & collectivization. Expels Bukharin from the CP for opposition to industrialization & collectivization

Forestalls a possible formation of an anti-Soviet front by the Kellogg Pact states

Founds a conformist Writers Union

The word "opposition" is no longer used

Stalins proposal to exile Trotsky from Russia is accepted by the Politburo

Has Trotsky exiled to Turkey. Exiles Trotsky & Zinoviev, marks the end of legal opposition in the party. Exiles Trotsky & Zinoviev marking the end of legal opposition in the party

The Litinow Pprotocol, a non-aggression pact between Russia, Romania, Poland Lithuania and Estonia

Britain & Russia resume diplomatic relations

Rykov is dismissed by Stalin for opposing his policies

The Statistical Directorate is merged into Gosplan

Collectivizes all farms in Russia

Collectivizes all farms in Russia

Publishes letter in "Pravda", "Dizzy with Success"

Publishes letter in "Pravda", "Dizzy with Success"

Announces his murderous purges are "purifying the Soviet Union"

Russian troops kill 200 strikers in Odessa

As a result of collectivization there is widespread harvest failure

A number of ex-Mensheviks are charged with planning a counter-revolution

A number of ex-Mensheviks are charged with planning a counter-revolution. 14 professors are charged with conspiracy

Rykov is reinstated after publicly recanting his opposition to Stalin

Gosplan is subordinated to the Sovnarkom

Famine in the Ukraine

The Ryutin Affair is one of the last attempts to oppose the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin within the Soviet Communist Party. Ryutin gathered around him a group of like-minded friends who called themselves "The Union of Marxist-Leninists" and they began to distribute "Appeal" to workers and to members of the opposition in the summer and early fall of 1932

At the Metro-Vickers trial British technologists in Russia are charged with espionage

The goal of the Second Five-Year Plan (1933-1937) is the reconstruction of the entire Soviet economy and the creation of a new technical base

The Soviet state prioritises heavy industrial expansion while consumer-goods targets lag behind official plans.

At the Metro-Vickers trial British technologists in Russia are charged with espionage

Stalin launches the Second Five-Year Plan, emphasizing heavy industry, transport, steel, coal and continued central planning.

The goal of the Second Five-Year Plan (1933-1937) is the reconstruction of the entire Soviet economy and the creation of a new technical base. Stalin delivers a report on "Results of the First Five-Year Plan" at the joint plenum of the CC and CCC CPSU

The goal of the Second Five-Year Plan was the construction of twenty five to thirty thousand kilometres of new railway lines and 22 million tons of pig iron would be smelted by the end of the plan.

The goal of the Second Five-Year Plan was to increase machine production from 3 to 3.5 times, the mining of coal was increased from 90 million tons to 250 million.

The plan also projected an increase for consumer goods from 22.2 billion rubles in 1932 to 47.2 billion in 1937, the plan was only able to fulfill 85.4 percent of this target.

Stalin delivers a report on "Results of the First Five-Year Plan" at the joint plenum of the CC and CCC CPSU

Stalin attends the memorial meeting at the Bolshoi Theatre to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the death of Lenin

Construction of the Baltic-White Sea Canal is completed

The Moscow metro is completed

Russia joins the League of Nations

Russia & Germany renew the 1926 Treaty of Neutrality & Non-Aggression

Russia & Germany renew the 1926 Treaty of Neutrality & Non-Aggression

Stalin attends the funeral of Klara Zetkin in the Red Square in Moscow

The USSR is recognized by the USA, to counteract Japans rise in the Far East

Kirovs assassin & 13 accomplices are tried & executed. From 1933-1934 the CP is reduced from 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 million members

Kirovs assassin & 13 accomplices are tried & executed

Trade Treaty signed between Britain & Russia

Trade Treaty signed between Britain & Russia

Russia takes its seat on the Council of the League of Nations

The USSR is admitted into the League of Nations

The USSR joins the League and gains a Council seat.

The assassination of Kirov sparks off purges in Russia

The Comintern abandons the membership policies established under the "Twenty-one Conditions" and begins to form coalitions, or popular fronts, with bourgeois parties

Zinoviev, Kamanev & 17 others are tried for the murder of Kirov

The USSR & France sign a mutual assistance & non-aggression pact. The USSR & Czech sign a mutual assistance & non-aggression pact

French-Soviet pact, effective for five years, for mutual help in the case of an attack by an European nation

French-Soviet pact, effective for five years, for mutual help in the case of an attack by an European nation

Soviet-Czechoslovakian pact, valid only if France supports both parties

Soviet-Czechoslovakian pact, valid only if France supports both parties

The seventh congress officially endorses the Popular Front against fascism. The seventh and last congress of the Comintern is held between July 25 and August 20 1935

The seventh congress officially endorses the Popular Front against fascism

Russia sells the Chinese Eastern Railway in northern Manchuria to Japan

Holds stage trials of old Bolsheviks

Russia sends arms & advisers to the Republicans

Germany and Japan conclude the so-called Anti-Comintern Pact, ostensibly to protect the world from the 3rd International

Germany and Japan conclude the so-called Anti-Comintern Pact, ostensibly to protect the world from the 3rd International

Promotes a united front with Kai-shek against fascism in Europe & imperialism in Japan

Stalin has Kamanev & Zinoviev purged & then executed. Show trials are held in Moscow during the "great purge"

Announces "terrorist activity of Trotskyite-Zinoviev counter-revolutionary bloc". CP members are directed to renew their documents, "passive people" are rooted out.

Enforces a ban on party factions and banned those party members who had opposed him, effectively ending democratic centralism. Communist heroes like Tukhachevsky and B‚la Kun, as well as the majority of Lenins Politburo, were shot for disagreements in policy. About 2/3 of Communist leaders are shot or arrested. 400,000 people are expelled from the Party

In the new form of Party organisation, the Politburo, and Stalin in particular, were the sole dispensers of communist ideology.

Involves a large-scale purge of the Communist Party and Government officials, repression of peasants, Red Army leadership, and the persecution of unaffiliated persons, characterized by widespread police surveillance, widespread suspicion of "saboteurs".

The most infamous case is that of Leon Trotsky, whose family was almost annihilated, before he himself was killed in Mexico by NKVD agent Ramon Mercader, who was part of an assassination task force put together by Special Agent Pavel Sudoplato.

The political purge was primarily an effort by Stalin to eliminate challenge from past and potential opposition groups, including left and right wings led by Leon Trotsky and Nikolai Bukharin.

Involves a large-scale purge of the Communist Party and Government officials, repression of peasants, Red Army leadership, and the persecution of unaffiliated persons, characterized by widespread police surveillance, widespread suspicion of "saboteurs"

Holds stage trials of old Bolsheviks

Show trials are held in Moscow during the "great purge"

CP members are directed to renew their documents, "passive people" are rooted out

At the League of Nations Russia proposes sanctions after occupation of the Rhineland

Announces "terrorist activity of Trotskyite-Zinoviev counter-revolutionary bloc"

The secret police is absorbed into the ministry of the interior, NKVD

The Comintern agree to furnish volunteers & money to support the Spanish Republic

The Comintern agree to furnish volunteers & money to support the Spanish Republic

Stalin has Kamanev & Zinoviev purged & then executed

Yezhov is made Commissar for Internal Affairs to unmask the Trotsky-Zinoviev plot

Russia decides to supply the Republicans in Spain

Russia warns it will only be bound to the same degree as Italy & Germany. Russia decides to supply the Republicans in Spain

Germany & Japan argree to make "common cause" against Communism

Joseph Stalin establishes a Federal State consisting of 11 Soviet Republics.

Joseph Stalin establishes the USSR Supreme Soviet, supreme agency of state power in the Soviet Union.

Supreme Soviet consists of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of the Nationalities.

The Supreme Soviet elects a Presidium the chairman of which becomes the Head of State.

The Supreme Soviet is elected for 4 years and meets twice a year.

The VTsIK, All-Union Central Exec Comm of the soviets becomes the Supreme Soviet.

Establishes the USSR Supreme Soviet, supreme agency of state power in the Soviet Union

Top generals & 1 in 3 of the Officer Corps are purged

Show trials are held including Radek & Pyatakov

An Armistice is declared between Japan and the Soviet Union after outbreak of border fighting

The 3rd Five-Year Plan (1938-1941) was not as successful, due to the purging of leading Gosplan members and the outbreak of World War II

Stalin has Rykov purged & then executed

The 3rd Five-Year Plan (1938-1941) was not as successful, due to the purging of leading Gosplan members and the outbreak of World War II

NKVD troops massacre over 10,000 Ukrainians

Stalin has Rykov purged & then executed

Stalin has Bukharin purged & then executed

Stalin promises to support Czech if it is attacked by Germany

Russian troops begin to clash with the Japanese on the border of Manzhouguo

Signs the Geraman-Russisan Non Aggression Pact with Ribbentrop in Moscow

Russia occupies the eastern zone including Galicia & the Polish Ukraine. Poland is divided between the Germans & the Russians along the River Bug

At the start of World War II, the Comintern supported a policy of non-intervention, arguing that the war was an imperialist war between various national ruling classes, much like World War I had been

Attacks Britain & France for rejecting collective security for fear of revolution. Attacks Britain & France for rejecting collective security due to fear of revolution

Sends Zhukov against the Japanese to teach them "a lesson they would never forget"

After Nomonhan the Japanese Foreign Minister visits Russia & signs a neutrality pact

Says to the Japanese Foregn Minister, "we are both Asiatics, Japan can now turn south". After Nomonhan the Japanese Foreign Minister visits Russia & signs a neutrality pact

Protests after German legions move on Prague contravening the Munich Agreement

Protests after German legions move on Prague in contravention of the Munich Agreement

Protests after German legions move on Prague contravening the Munich Agreement

Protests after German legions move on Prague in contravention of the Munich Agreement

Protests after German legions move on Prague contravening the Munich Agreement

The Soviet Union offers a Soviet-British-French alliance which would guarantee the integrity of Poland, the consulations are unproductive

The Soviet Union offers a Soviet-British-French alliance which would guarantee the integrity of Poland, the consulations are unproductive

Russia offers a tripartite alliance with France & Britain

Russia offers a tripartite alliance with France & Britain

Russia mobilizes against Japan on the border between Manchuria & Outer Mongolia

At a meeting of the Politbureau Stalin says an alliance with Germany maybe possible

At a meeting of the Politbureau Stalin says an alliance with Germany maybe possible

Poland refuses Russia passage, a precondition of an Anglo-Franco-Soviet agreement. Hitler sends Stalin a telegram pressing for a pact

Invites Ribbentrop to Moscow for 23 August. Hitler cables Stalin accepting the draft NAZI-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

It is anounced that Germany & Russia have concluded a commercial agreement

Includes secret protocols dividing Europe into zones of influence

The Nazi-Soviet Pact gives Russia eastern Poland, Finland & Baltic States

The Nazi-Soviet Pact gives Russia eastern Poland, Finland & Baltic States

The Nazi-Soviet Pact gives Russia eastern Poland, Finland & Baltic States

Russia & Germany will not attack each other for 10 yrs with an option for 5 more yrs

The Japanese are prevented from making any further incursions into Russian territory. In 1 day the Japanese suffer 50,000 casulties, their worst ever defeat. Defeat by Russia convinces the Japanese that they cannot fight against the Russians

The German Army crosses the Polish border

Vilna is transferred from Poland to Lithuania & becomes its capital

Russia signs Treaty of Mutual Assistance with Latvia giving Russia occupation rights

The Soviets carry out their part of the secret appendix of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which divided Eastern Europe into Nazi and Soviet spheres of influence. The Russians invade Poland for 1 week. Russia gives the order to invade eastern Poland which is undefended

The Russians capture Vilnyus

The remains of the Polish Government & military High Command flee to Hungary

The Red Army & German troops join up at Brest Litovsk

The Red Army & German troops join up at Brest Litovsk

Germany & Russia declares that Poland no longer exists

After the Russian invasion of Poland Hitler agrees to Stalins new demands

After the Russian invasion of Poland Hitler agrees to Stalins new demands

Ribbentrop & Molotov meet & split Poland in 2

Ribbentrop & Molotov meet & split Poland in 2

The Soviet Germany Boundary & Friendship Treaty is signed

Russia signs Treaty of Mutual Assistance with Estonia to occupy 4 Estonian naval bases

The Munich Treaty makes Russias offer of military support to Czech academic. Russia, like the United States, is excluded from the Treaty & the conference

Germany and the Soviet Union completely overrun Poland, although the Polish Government never surrendered

A mutual assistance Treaty is signed between Russia & Latvia

A mutual assistance Treaty is signed between Russia & Latvia

Forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with Moscow

Forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with Moscow

Forced to accept a "mutual assistance" pact with Moscow

Vilna is restored to Lithuania while Russia gets sea & air bases

A mutual assistance Treaty is signed between Russia & Lithuania

Negotiations between Russia & Finland take place for an exchange of territory

Offers Finland land but the strategic loss causes the Fins to refuse

Russia formally annexes its occupied Polish territories

Russia cancels its 1932 non-aggreesion Treaty with Finland

Russia launches an attack against Finland, fighting lasts throughout the winter. Russia attacks the Mannerheim Line to invade Finland

Russia attacks the Mannerheim Line to invade Finland

About 15,000 Polish officers are murderred in Eastern Poland

Finland surrenders large tracts of territory & fortifications to Russia

Appointed Chairman of the Council of Peoples Commissars

The Anti-Comintern Pact is renewed with 11 additional countries as signatories. At the start of World War II, the Comintern supported a policy of non-intervention, arguing that the war was an imperialist war between various national ruling classes, much like World War I had been

Founds the State Defence Committee to run the war

Spy Dr. Richard Sorge gave Stalin the exact German launch date

The Moscow-Volga Canal is completed

Germany & Russia sign a fresh Treaty recognizing spheres of influence & trade

Japan & Russia sign a mutual neutrality pact

Japan & Russia sign a mutual neutrality pact

Churchill warns Stalin the Germans had regrouped in order to invade Russia

Signs the Treaty of Friendship with the new Government of Yugoslavia

Japan & Russia sign a neutrality pact

Japan & Russia sign a neutrality pact

Germany declares war on Russia shortly after the invasion

All forces are placed on alert

When the Soviet Union is invaded on 22 June 1941, the Comintern changed its position to one of active support for the Allies

When the Soviet Union is invaded on 22 June 1941, the Comintern changed its position to one of active support for the Allies

Appointed Commander of military operations after the German Invasion of Russia

Takes over military operations after the German Invasion of Russia

Stalin is so demoralized by the German invasion that he remains drunk for 11 days. At 3:40 German planes bomb Russian border cities

3 million German soldiers attack the Soviet army of 5.7 million, 2.5 of them in the west, in the coming weeks, Stalin mobilizes some 10 million reservists

Sets up a supreme general-staff HQ

Appointed Supreme Commander of the Soviet Armed Forces

Appointed Supreme Commander of the Soviet Armed Forces

The western front is broken & the Germans charge towards Minsk. Builds a reserve front 300 km behind the front

The western front is broken & the Germans charge towards Minsk

The Central Commitee declares this the "Great Fatherland War"

The Central Commitee declares this the "Great Fatherland War"

By mid July Russia has lost 3,500 tanks, 6,000 aircraft & 2 million men

Warns Russia of the danger of the German invasion. Addresses the Russian people as "brothers & sister"

Warns Russia of the danger of the German invasion during a broadcast

1st day of the Battle of Smolensk

Appointed Member of recently formed State Defence Committee

About 300,000 Russian prisoners are taken

Part of the administration is moved but Stalin stays in Moscow

Orders the evacuation of Kiev, 665,000 Russian prisoners are captured

The Germans begin their final offensive to take Moscow

The operation "Taifun" to take Moscow commences

The operation "Taifun" to take Moscow commences

Stalin calls an emergency session of the State Defence Committee

Stalin calls for the creation of second front in Europe to relieve pressure on Russian forces battling German army at the gates of Moscow

Announces, "If they want a war of extermination they shall have one"

Stages a symbollically important parade in Red Square

The Germans begin their 2nd offensive against Moscow

Orders Red Army units to destroy all houses & farms 40 miles behind the German lines

Orders Red Army units to destroy all houses & farms 40 miles behind the German lines

Some German units advance into the southern suburbs of Moscow

The Soviet counter offensive hits the unsuspecting German army. The German attack on Moscow is contained. German forces lose mre than 500,000 men, Hitler's biggest loss to date. 720,000 Russian soldiers drive back 800,000 Germans

A pact made at the Washington Conference becomes the nucleus of the United Nations

Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice. A pact made at the Washington Conference becomes the nucleus of the United Nations

Declaration by 26 Allies not to conclude a separate armistice, the pact becomes the UN. A pact made at the Washington Conference becomes the nucleus of the United Nations

Plans a counter-offensive at the meeting of the Stavka & State Defence Committee

Plans a counter-offensive at the meeting of the Stavka & State Defence Committee

Timoshenko requests further support from Stalin who just refuses a withdrawal. Kleist counter-attacks & forces Timoshenko back

Timoshenko is forced to call off his attack

An Anglo-Soviet Treaty of alliance is signed in London

Molotov gains military assistance & economic aid. A 2nd front is established & atomic research intensified

Succesfully demands Romania hand over Bessarabia to Russia, Germany does not object

Orders the Stalingrad Defence Committee to prepare the city for war immediately

Orders the Stalingrad Defence Committee to prepare the city for war immediately

Stalin dismisses Timoshenko

Stalin informs Churchill he cannot agree to the postponement of a 2nd front until 1943

The Germans capture Rostov

Gathers 190,000 men, 350 tanks, 340 planes & 8,000 guns on the Staingrad front

Refuses the Stalingrad to be evacuated in order to make the Russians defend it

Churchill meets Stalin at the Kremlin

Stalin has the impression that Churchill promises to invade France in 1943. Churchill visits Stalin & says there can be no invasion of Europe in 1942. Churchill visits Stalin & promises that south east Europe will be attacked in 1943

Yeremenko is appointed to command the entire Stalingrad front by Stalin

Yeremenko is appointed to command the entire Stalingrad front by Stalin

The Red Army begins to encircle the German forces besieging Stalingrad

The Red Army begins to encircle the German forces besieging Stalingrad

Rejects Roosevelts offer to attend the Casablance Conference

In order to allay the misgivings of its allies in World War II, the Soviet Union dissolves the Comintern

In order to allay the misgivings of its allies in World War II, the Soviet Union dissolves the Comintern. Dissolves the Comintern

Stalin refuses an invitation to attend the Casablanca Conference

Rejects Roosevelts offer to attend the Casablance Conference. Refuses an offer from Roosevelt to attend the Conference, plays injured party

The future of Austria as an independent state is assured

Stalin recognizes the "Union of Polish Patriots", a Soviet puppet regime

Stalin recognizes the "Union of Polish Patriots", a Soviet puppet regime

Roosevelt & Churchill agree to supply Stalin war materials & divert German forces

Paulus surrenders the German 6th Army. During the battle the Germans lose 600,000 & the Russians 400,000

The German Sixth Army is eliminated as an effective field formation at Stalingrad.

Paulus surrenders the German 6th Army

The remainder of the German forces in Stalingrad lay down their arms

Stalin recognizes the "Union of Polish Patriots", the core of a Soviet puppet regime

Expresses displeasure to Churchill & Roosevelt over the postponement of "Round Up"

Stalin sends a message to Churchill asking for a Second Front

Telegrams Churchill & Roosevelt saying he is a "passive observer"

Roosevelt & Churchill agree to hold a tripartite conference including Russia

Telegrams Churchill & Roosevelt saying he is a "passive observer". Roosevelt & Churchill agree to hold a tripartite conference including Russia

The Axis complete the evacuation of the Crimea

The Russians capture the Kuban Peninsula on the Black Sea

It is agreed after Germany is defeated Austria should regain independence. Agreed to form the European Advisery Commission to divide Germany into military zones

Establishes the principle of an international organisation to for international peace

Signed by the USA, Russia, China & Britain

Establishes the principle of an international organisation to keep international peace

Establishes the principle of an international organisation to for international peace

Stalin supports a postwar Polish eastern frontier broadly following the Curzon Line, with Poland compensated in the west.

Stalin arrives in Tehran with the Soviet delegation before the conference formally opens on 28 November.

Stalin meets Roosevelt privately for the first time before joining Churchill at the opening plenary session.

Stalin calls on Roosevelt shortly after the President moves into the Soviet Embassy compound.

Stalin emphasises the importance of a major Anglo-American second front in Western Europe.

Stalin warns that travel between delegations could expose the Allied leaders to danger from Axis sympathisers.

Stalin is handed the Stalingrad sword

Stalin opposes Mediterranean operations that might weaken Overlord while supporting a complementary landing in southern France.

Stalin presses for appointment of an Overlord commander and reiterates that the Soviet Union will fight Japan after Germany is defeated.

Stalin meets Roosevelt privately before the second plenary to continue political and strategic discussions.

Stalin offers to launch a major Soviet offensive around the time of Overlord to pin German forces in the east.

Stalin argues that Overlord needs a clearly appointed commander responsible for its execution.

Stalin presses the Western Allies for a firm commitment to launch Overlord in 1944.

Stalin accepts the Sword of Stalingrad and thanks Britain on behalf of the citizens of Stalingrad.

Stalin participates in the third plenary meeting as agreement on 1944 operations takes shape.

Stalin meets the Shah of Iran while attending the summit in Tehran.

At Churchill's birthday dinner, Stalin praises American industrial output and the importance of Lend-Lease to the Soviet war effort.

The 3 powers at the Tehran Conference agree to a post-war independent Iran

The 3 powers at the Tehran Conference agree to a post-war independent Iran

The 3 powers at the Tehran Conference move Polands frontiers westward

Stalin says he could accept the Curzon Line as the Soviet-Polish frontier if the Soviet Union receives northern East Prussia including Konigsberg.

Stalin joins the final discussions as the three powers complete their military conclusions and political declarations.

Stalin participates in the final negotiating sessions as the three governments complete their agreements.

Stalin discusses moving Poland's eastern frontier toward the Curzon Line while compensating Poland with territory farther west.

Stalin accepts the tripartite pledge preserving Iran as a sovereign state after the war.

Stalin states that the Soviet Union would enter war with Bulgaria if Bulgaria attacked Turkey after Turkish entry against Germany.

Stalin confirms Soviet support for Overlord and promises a major Soviet offensive to help prevent German reinforcement of France.

Stalin confirms that Soviet forces will attack around the time of Overlord to hinder German troop transfers westward.

Stalin joins the agreement to provide Yugoslav Partisans with supplies, equipment and commando support.

Final day of the Moscow Conference

Stalin announces the Russian capture of Bryansk

Russians captue Roslavl

Russians captue Smolensk

Accepts Chiang Kai-sheks China as a "big 5" member of the United Nations Security Council

The Soviet Union annexes Tuva and closes the region to the outside world

Churchill flies to Moscow & discusses postwar Europe with Stalin

Russian security forces deport the entire Ingush nation of 100,000. Russian security forces deport the entire Chechen nation of 400,000. Russian security forces deport 100,000 from the north Caucasus

Stalin suggests to Churchill that Bulgaria should be 75% Russian 25% British-American

Stalin suggests to Churchill that Romania should be 90% Russian 10% British

The Soviet Union annexes Tuva and closes the region to the outside world

Stalin allows the Nazis to crush the Warsaw rebellion so he can occupy a weaker Poland

Founds the Peoples Army in Poland, a rival Polish Army to fight the Germans

Founds the Polish National Council to establish communist rule in Poland

The Red Army crosses into Poland

The Red Army crosses into Poland

The Soviet Government publicly proposes that a future Polish-Soviet boundary follow approximately the Curzon Line with possible adjustments favourable to Poland.

Russia rejects a Polish proposal to negotiate a boundary dispute

The 1st & 2nd Ukranian Fronts attempt to cut off the Germans

The Soviet Union announces the end of the deadly German siege of Leningrad, which had lasted 880 days with 600,000 killed. 633,000 civilians had died from starvation & a 200,000 from German military action

The Germans fall back to the River Luga

The Korsun pocket is closed

Orders mass deportation of Caucasian Muslim nations, Chechens & Ingush to Kazakhstan are deported for resisting Soviet rule and abetting the Germans, 475,000 persons are evicted

Orders mass deportation of Caucasian Muslim nations, Chechens & Ingush to Kazakhstan are deported for resisting Soviet rule and abetting the Germans, 475,000 persons are evicted

The Finns ask for peace but Stalins terms are unacceptable

Soviet forces liberate Odessa from Nazis

Russia recaptures Crimea by taking Sevastopol

Russia recaptures Crimea by taking Sevastopol

Ath Churchills request Stalin agrees to an offensive during the Normandy landings

As agreed at Tehran Stalin launches an offensive from Leningrad to the Ukraine

Ath Churchills request Stalin agrees to an offensive during the Normandy landings

The way to Poland is open to the Red Army

The Russians reach the 1939 Polish border, west of Kovel

Explains that the military situation prevents him from leaving the Soviet Union for a distant conference.

1st Belorussian front enters Lublin

The Lublin Committee to set up a communist infrastructure in Poland meets Stalin. The committee subordinate the Poles fighting with the Russians to Russia

Warsaw rebels against the Germans, Stalin encourages it but does not provide support

Warsaw rebels against the Germans, Stalin encourages it but does not provide support

The US, Britain, Russia and China open the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in Washington, DC, laying the foundation for the establishment of the UN

The US, Britain, Russia and China open the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in Washington, DC, laying the foundation for the establishment of the UN

Finland asks Russia for peace terms

Russian forces enter Bucharest

Russia invades Bulgaria

A ceasefire is agreed between the Finns & the Soviet Forces on the Finnish front

A ceasefire is agreed between the Finns & the Soviet Forces on the Finnish front

Russia declares war on Bulgaria. Bulgaria declares war on Germany then declares an armistice with Russia

Bulgaria decides to agree an armistice with Russia & declare war on Germany

Stalin tells Mikolajczyk that acceptance of the Curzon Line as the Soviet-Polish boundary is essential before a broader political settlement can proceed.

Stalin says the Curzon Line must remain the basis of settlement but allows that final demarcation could shift seven or eight kilometres in places.

Stalin tells Churchill that final demarcation may allow small local changes but not a major alteration transferring Lwow west of the Curzon-based frontier.

Soviet troops invade Czechoslovakia during World War II

Suggests that the next Big Three meeting take place in the Black Sea area.

The Soviet army invades Hungary

States that a location on the Soviet Black Sea coast would be the most suitable conference site.

Again asks that the conference be held in one of the Soviet Union's Black Sea port cities.

Stalin deports 250,000 Tatars from Crimea to Uzbekistan, they do not return home until the fall of the Soviet Union leading supporters, from Kamenev down, were expelled in December 1927 by the XVth Party Congress, which paved the way for mass expulsio

Stalin deports 250,000 Tatars from Crimea to Uzbekistan, they do not return home until the fall of the Soviet Union

Advancing Soviet troops surround Budapest

Opposes postponing recognition of the Soviet-backed Lublin Committee until the Big Three conference.

Rejects part of the American formula for Security Council voting before the Yalta negotiations.

Signs the Treaty of Friendship & Alliance with the Government of Chiang Kai-Shek

The USA & Russia partition Korea

The USA & Russia partition Korea

Russia will gain the Kurile Islands & Sakhalin if it holds Japan on the Asian mainland

Russia will gain the Kurile Islands & Sakhalin if it holds Japan on the Asian mainland

Signs the Treaty of Friendship & Alliance with the Government of Chiang Kai-Shek

Signs the Treaty of Friendship & Alliance with the Government of Chiang Kai-Shek

Accepts the Allied code name Argonaut for the forthcoming Malta and Yalta conference arrangements.

Russian troops cross the Polish border

Discusses France's postwar role with Roosevelt during their first bilateral Yalta meeting.

Represents the Soviet Union in the opening Yalta discussions with Roosevelt and Churchill.

Presses the Allies to settle principles for extracting reparations from defeated Germany.

Stalin argues that the Curzon Line was devised by non-Russian Allied statesmen on ethnographic grounds and says he cannot retreat substantially from it.

Requests separate United Nations representation for several Soviet republics during the fourth plenary session.

Accepts a compromise under which Ukraine and Byelorussia will be supported for separate United Nations membership.

Discusses political conditions under which the Soviet Union would enter the war against Japan.

Presents Soviet amendments to the American proposal on the composition of the Polish government.

Agrees to a formula for reorganizing the Soviet-backed Polish provisional government on a broader basis.

Drafts conditions concerning Mongolia, Sakhalin, Port Arthur, Dairen and Manchurian railways for Soviet entry against Japan.

Agrees to regular meetings of the three foreign ministers, beginning with a session in London.

Secures Allied agreement to Soviet interests in southern Sakhalin, the Kurile Islands, Port Arthur and Manchurian railways.

Raises the subject of Iranian oil during the final tripartite luncheon.

Agrees that the Soviet Union will enter the war against Japan after Germany's defeat under specified Far Eastern conditions.

Signs the reparations protocol calling for German payments in kind to Allied countries.

Soviet security authorities arrest sixteen Polish underground leaders invited to talks on implementing the Yalta political settlement.

This record states: Churchill argued to Roosevelt that it was "as plain as a pike staff" that Moscows tactics were to drag out the period for holding free elections "while the Lublin Committee consolidate their power."

This record states: The Soviet Peoples Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD) arrested 16 Polish opposition political leaders that had been invited to participate in provisional Government negotiations.

This record states: The arrests were part of a trick employed by the NKVD, which flew the leaders to Moscow for a later show trial followed by sentencing to a gulag.

The Polish Government Delegates, together with most members of the Council of National Unity and the Commander-in-chief of the Armia Krajowa, were invited by Soviet general Ivan Serov with the agreement of Joseph Stalin to a conference on their eventual entry to the Soviet-backed Provisional Government. They are presented with a warrant of safety, but are arrested in Pruszkow by the NKVD on 27 and 28 March

Russia informs Japan it will not renew the Sovietese neutrality pact

Russia informs Japan it will not renew the Sovietese neutrality pact

Denounces the neutrality pact with Japan signed Thirteenth April

Denounces the neutrality pact with Japan signed Thirteenth April

Soviet forces take Vienna

Russia establishes a provisional coaltion Government with Renner as Prime Minister

Russian troops reach the suburbs of Berlin

Signs a Soviet treaty with the Polish provisional government as disputes continue over implementation of the Yalta settlement.

1st day of the Battle of Berlin with 1,000,000 plus Russians against 60,000 Germans

The US & Russian troops meet at the River Elbe

American & Russian troops link forces at the River Elbe

300,000 Russian soldiers are killed

Churchill appeals to Stalin not to unilaterally impose Russian rule on Yugoslavia. Churchill appeals to Stalin not to unilaterally impose Russian rule on Poland

Churchill appeals to Stalin not to unilaterally impose Russian rule on Poland

The Red Army hoists the Red Flag over the Reichstag in Berlin

The Red Army hoists the Red Flag over the Reichstag in Berlin

Berlin surrenders, 17 days after the 1st day of the battle

Berlin surrenders to the Soviet Army

Berlin falls to the Allies

The Red flag is raised over the Reichstag

The German High Command formally accepts unconditional military surrender.

The German High Command signs a document of unconditional surrender

The final German capitulation ends the European war.

German commanders sign unconditional surrender, ends the war in Europe

Japan offers Russia concessions for a non-aggression pact

The Allied Control Commission administers Germany after it's occupation by the Allies

USA, Britain, Russia & France declare supreme authority over Germany

USA, Britain, Russia & France declare supreme authority over Germany

The trial takes place between 18 and 21 June 1945 with foreign press and observers from the United Kingdom and USA present. The date was chosen carefully to be at the same time as a conference on the creation of the Soviet-backed Polish puppet Government was organized

According to international law the trial should not have taken place.

All but one of the defendants were forced to admit to the alleged crimes, and on 21 June the verdict was issued.

General Okulickis witnesses were not allowed to enter the court, which was a violation of Soviet law.

The Soviet Union kidnapped and sentenced a group of citizens of a foreign country whose alleged crimes were committed on a foreign land.

They were deprived of basic human rights and tortured.

The United Kingdom and the USA withdrew support for the legitimate Polish Government in exile, and all its agendas in Poland

The United Kingdom and the USA withdrew support for the legitimate Polish Government in exile, and all its agendas in Poland

The United Kingdom and the USA withdrew support for the legitimate Polish Government in exile, and all its agendas in Poland

President Harry S. Truman discloses to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that the United States has atomic weapons, Stalin feigns little surprise; he already knows this through espionage

President Harry S. Truman discloses to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that the United States has atomic weapons, Stalin feigns little surprise; he already knows this through espionage

Russia declares war on Japan. Rusiia declares war on Japan

Russia invades Manchuria

The Russians occupy Harbin in Manchuria

The Russians occupy Mukden in Manchuria

The USSR announces that it will make its own atomic bomb

Any favarouble references to the Tsars are removed from school text books

Founds the Council of Minister's

Replaces the Council of Peoples Commissars as the Government of Russia. Founds the Council of Minister's. Commissars become ministers

A cult of Stalin begins

The 4th Five-Year Plan (1946-1950) drastically improves the standard of living for the common citizen from a very low level

The 4th Five-Year Plan (1946-1950) drastically improves the standard of living for the common citizen from a very low level

Stalin orders Beria to "finish off the outlaws in the shortest possible time"

Stalin orders Beria to "finish off the outlaws in the shortest possible time"

Stalin orders Beria to "finish off the outlaws in the shortest possible time"

About 8,000 anti-communist partisans are killed in the Ukraine

About 8,000 anti-communist partisans are killed in the Ukraine

Ensures dominance of East Germany by supporting the Socialist Unity Party

Russia, Britain, the USA & France recognize Austria with its 1937 boundaries

Makes an "electoral speech" attacking leading intellectuals

Marshal Tito is personally received by Stalin during his visit to Moscow

US Secretary of State Burns protests about how Russia has stripped assets from Hungary

Orders the launch the Communist Information Bureau in response to the Marshall Plan

Soviet scientists achieve their first nuclear chain reaction

Cominform was initially located in Belgrade (then the capital of the Federative People's Republic of Yugoslavia)

The Cominform is based on the Comintern which was dissolved in 1942, it co-ordinates European Communist Parties

The Polish elections, held on January 16, 1947, resulted in Polands official transformation to a communist state by 1949

Poland holds elections under a Soviet-dominated political system, intensifying Western claims that Yalta's free-election commitments were not fulfilled.

Famine in the Ukraine, 1946-1947

Russia demands $10 billion in reparations & control of the Ruhr, this is not agreed. A conference opens in Moscow to discuss the development of post-war Germany

Soviet restrictions close major land routes into the Western sectors of Berlin.

The Russians blockade land routes to Berlin

Forces the Eastern block & Russia to reject the Marshall plan

Orders communist-dominated Governments to pull out of the Paris Conference on the European Recovery Programme

Orders communist-dominated Governments to pull out of the Paris Conference on the European Recovery Programme

Cominform (from Communist Information Bureau) is the common name for what is officially referred to as the Information Bureau of the Communist and Workers' Parties

The Cominform has as its stated goal. "..to organize an exchange of experience, and where necessary to coordinate the activity of the Communist parties, on the basis of mutual agreement."

The Cominform has its own newspaper, For Lasting Peace, for People's Democracy!

The Cominform is based on the Comintern which was dissolved in 1942, it co-ordinates European Communist Parties

The Cominform the first official forum of the International Communist Movement since the dissolution of the Comintern and confirmed the new realities after World War II, including the creation of an Eastern Bloc

Cominform (from Communist Information Bureau) is the common name for what is officially referred to as the Information Bureau of the Communist and Workers' Parties

Western ambassadors seek a negotiated solution with Stalin as access to Berlin becomes an international crisis.

British, French & US Ambassadors meet Stalin to find a solution

Cominform was a Soviet-dominated organization of Communist parties founded at a conference of Communist party leaders in Szklarska Poreba, Poland

Cominform was a Soviet-dominated organization of Communist parties founded at a conference of Communist party leaders in Szklarska Poreba, Poland

1st day of the council to discuss the future of post-war Germany

The Russian currency is reformed

The Russian currency is reformed

The controlling Council of Germany breaks up after failing to agree the future

The Soviet blockade is intended to force Britain, France and the United States to abandon their positions in Berlin.

Trys to push the Allies out of their zones by blockading Berlin, June 1948-Spring 1949

After the expulsion of Yugoslavia from the group the seat is moved to Bucharest, Romania

Yugoslavia is expelled from the Cominform. The German D-Mark is banned from circulation in the FDR

Russia founds the DPRK in North Korea

The Czechoslovak Communist Party is ordered to take power in Prague

The Czechoslovak Communist Party is ordered to take power in Prague

Clay orders an early emergency air-supply operation to test whether Berlin can be sustained without unrestricted land access.

General Clay orders a "baby airlift" into Berlin of enough supplies for 45 days

Russia halts 2 US & British trains after theiy refuse access to Russian inspectors

Yugoslavia is expelled from the Cominform

Yugoslavia is expelled from the Cominform

Authorizes the Lander & provisional assemblies to open a constituent assembly

Authorizes the Lander & provisional assemblies to open a constituent assembly

Soviet measures halt road and rail access and restrict power supplies while the Western airlift and counter-blockade expand.

The west announces a counter-blockade from west to east. Russian power cuts in west Berlin & a halt of all railway traffic. Russia imposes a blockade on Berlin. Announces the blockade & imposes a total road & rail blockade in & out of Berlin

Lenigrad is purged

The Comecon was the Eastern Blocs reply to the formation of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation in western Europe. Founds the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance to improve Soviet bloc trade. Founded by the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania

Russia successfully tests the atomic bomb

Supports the creation of the German Democratic Republic

Comecon is established at a Moscow economic conference January 5-January 8, 1949, at which the six founding member countries are represented

Comecon is established at a Moscow economic conference January 5-January 8, 1949, at which the six founding member countries are represented

Comecons foundation is publicly announced

Soviet authorities end the blockade after the Western powers maintain access through the airlift.

The Berlin blockade is lifted after 327 days, both sides claim victory. Calls off the Berlin Blockade after more than a year

Russia rejects a western plea for German reunification

The Soviet Union conducts its first atomic bomb test, ending the United States nuclear monopoly.

The Soviet Union tests its first atomic bomb.

Stalin condemns Tito

Mao Tse-Tung has talks with Stalin in Moscow

East Germany joins the Comecon

Russia provides economic & military assistance to the PRC

Britain appeals to Moscow to ask North Korea to stop the war, Russia declines

5th Five-Year Plan, 1951-55

The Russian Communist Party is renamed the Communist Party of the Soviet Union

10 prominent Jews are found guilty of "Jewish nationalism" & shot

The Soviet Committee of State Security, KGB, is formed

The Politburo is renamed the Presidium, it is the inner council & supreme body

Stalins proposals for German unification are rejected by the west

Stalins proposals for German unification are rejected by the west

Russia proposes a 4 power conference on the unification & rearmament of Germany

Russia proposes a 4 power conference on the unification & rearmament of Germany

19th Party Congress of the Communist Party

Russia declares the peace Treaty with Japan invalid

Stalins anti-Semitism becomes official state policy

Stalin arrests & charges 9 Kremlin doctors for plotting to kill Russian leaders. Outbreak of the Doctors Plot

28 doctors & their wives are arrested

Suffers from a stroke, doctors are frightened to treat him

Death of Joseph Stalin

Funeral of Joseph Stalin

During the Twentieth Party Congress Krushcev attacks Stalins cult of the individual

During the Twentieth Party Congress Krushcev attacks Stalins cult of the individual

During the Twentieth Party Congress Krushcev attacks Stalins cult of the individual. Decrees the end of the cult of the individual

The Cominform is dissolved after the Soviet rapprochement with Yugoslavia and the process of De-Stalinization

Stalins body is removed from Lenins side in the Mausoleum on Red Square