Stalin Chronicle

Author: Liu Yanzhang
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-07-01
Features: Making correct judgments and scientific evaluations of a historical figure requires both an accurate macro understanding of the era and environment in which they lived, as well as meticulous micro-examination of their life, experiences, and the evolution of their thought and theories. The lack of a comprehensive and credible chronology has led to disagreements and errors in the study of historical figures, which is a common phenomenon in academic history. In this sense, chronology research is the foundation and starting point for the study of historical figures. Joseph Stalin, the main leader of the Communist Party and state of the former Soviet Union, was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. His theories and practices had a profound impact on the Soviet Union, the other socialist countries that emerged in Eastern Europe and Asia after World War II, the international communist movement, and the entire world. The significance and value of studying Stalin are undeniable. It can be said that scholars from many countries around the world have, to varying degrees, been interested in Stalin, conducting research on him for different motivations and purposes. The field of historical figure studies has rarely presented such complexity and diversity as the study of Stalin, with both affirmative and negative, laudatory and condemnatory perspectives.
The "Stalin problem" is a global issue. It is estimated that no definitive conclusion can be reached about it within this century. At the turn of the century, the Communist Party of China Central Committee made a prophecy in 1963, which has now become an undeniable fact. The study of Stalin must continue, develop, and deepen. However, there are still many inaccurate records about Stalin's life and theories, with long-standing misinformation leading to confusion between truth and fiction. Even the birth and death dates of Stalin are now subject to differing claims. For a long time, December 21, 1879, was considered Stalin's birthdate. However, newly released materials in 1990 indicate that his actual birthdate was December 6, 1878 (December 18 in the Gregorian calendar), not December 21, 1879. Stalin died on March 5, 1953, at 21:50, which is generally accepted without dispute. However, doubts have been raised about this claim. For example, Viktor Suvorov, the former Chief of Staff of the Soviet Army, firmly stated that Stalin died in the early hours of March 5, not at 21:50 that evening. Other controversies include Stalin's role in the October Revolution and whether he was a Tsarist spy, among others. All these discrepancies inevitably affect the study and scientific evaluation of Stalin.
It has been nearly half a century since Stalin's death, and now people can examine him calmly and scientifically. Yet, the world has changed dramatically, leaving many stunned. After Stalin's death, the Soviet Union not only saw multiple leadership changes but also disintegrated into several independent countries, making the term "Soviet Union" a relic of history. Events during the Soviet period are now no longer secrets, with archives gradually opened and released, objectively providing the possibility and conditions for compiling a complete and accurate chronology of Stalin.
The "Chronology of Stalin" presented to the readers documents the major events in Stalin's life, striving to objectively, comprehensively, and systematically reflect his significant activities in various aspects. Based on credible materials, it conducts multiple comparisons and verifications, correcting inaccuracies in existing Stalin chronologies and biographies, including some of Stalin's own incorrect statements. The chronology records all of Stalin's known works, including the "Collected Works of Stalin" volumes 1–13, as well as works included in various Stalin collections such as "Stalin's Collected Works." It also includes telegrams and letters exchanged between Stalin and British Prime Minister Churchill and Attlee, as well as U.S. President Roosevelt and Truman during the Soviet War of, writings and statements Stalin published during his lifetime but were not included in the "Collected Works" or other collections, and various writings and statements published or disclosed by the Soviet Union and modern Russia after Stalin's death, and so on.
The chronology aims to provide a complete and accurate reflection of the development of Stalin's thought and theories. When recording his important works, it includes concise introductions and necessary excerpts to outline the evolution and trajectory of Stalin's thinking on major theoretical issues.