The only real power comes out of a long rifle

The only real power comes out of a long rifle

Joseph Stalin, the infamous Soviet dictator, is often associated with the quote, "The only real power comes out of a long rifle." This statement encapsulates Stalin's ruthless approach to maintaining control over the Soviet Union during his reign from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Stalin believed in the use of force and violence to assert his authority and eliminate any potential threats to his power. He famously purged his political rivals, including members of the Communist Party, military leaders, and intellectuals, through a series of brutal campaigns that resulted in the imprisonment, exile, or execution of millions of people. Stalin's secret police, the NKVD, carried out these purges with ruthless efficiency, instilling fear and obedience among the population.

Stalin's reliance on the "long rifle" as a symbol of power reflects his militaristic approach to governance. He saw the military and security forces as essential tools for maintaining control and suppressing dissent. Under Stalin's rule, the Soviet Union became a police state, with a vast network of informants and spies monitoring the population for any signs of disloyalty.

Stalin's emphasis on the "long rifle" also highlights his belief in the use of force to achieve his political goals. He was willing to resort to violence and coercion to achieve his vision of a socialist society, even if it meant sacrificing the lives of millions of people in the process. Stalin's brutal tactics were instrumental in consolidating his power and transforming the Soviet Union into a totalitarian state.