History of Europe

How were Stalin and Gandhi different as leaders?

Joseph Stalin and Mahatma Gandhi were two of the most influential leaders of the 20th century, but they could not be more different.

Origins

Stalin was born in 1878 in Gori, Georgia, then part of the Russian Empire. He came from a poor family and had a difficult upbringing. He was expelled from school for revolutionary activity and later exiled to Siberia.

Gandhi was born in 1869 in Porbandar, India, then part of the British Empire. He came from a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing. He studied law in England and returned to India to practice law.

Political Views

Stalin was a communist and believed that the working class should control the means of production. He was a ruthless dictator who used violence to achieve his goals. He is responsible for the deaths of millions of people, including many of his own countrymen.

Gandhi was a pacifist and believed in nonviolent resistance. He led India to independence from Britain through a series of nonviolent protests. He is considered one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century and is revered as a saint in India.

Leadership Styles

Stalin was a dictatorial leader who made all the decisions. He was paranoid and suspicious of everyone, and he ruled through fear and intimidation.

Gandhi was a charismatic and inspiring leader who was able to motivate and unite people. He was a master of public relations and was able to get his message across to millions of people.

Legacy

Stalin's legacy is a mixed one. He is remembered as a ruthless dictator who caused great suffering, but he is also credited with leading the Soviet Union to victory in World War II and making it a major world power.

Gandhi's legacy is universally positive. He is remembered as a great leader who led India to independence through nonviolent means and who inspired millions of people around the world with his message of peace and nonviolence.