Watch Apocalypse: Stalin

Apocalypse: Stalin is a two-part historical documentary series that was created by Isabelle Clarke and Daniel Costelle for French television channel, France 2, in 2015. The series provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the Soviet Union under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, who was one of history's most brutal dictators.

Part one of the series chronicles the rise of Stalin to power and his brutal tactics to maintain his hold on it. The 20th century saw the world marred by wars and conflicts, and Joseph Stalin played a significant role in shaping Russia's political landscape throughout this period. Using archive footage, rare photographs, and interviews with historians and survivors, Apocalypse: Stalin provides a stunning account of Stalin's life, his rise to power, and his authoritarian regime.

The series focuses on how Stalin's totalitarian regime transformed Russia into an industrial superpower and led them to historic victories against Nazi Germany during World War II. However, the program also delves into the brutal tactics used by Stalin to maintain his grip on power and the resulting deaths of millions of his own people. Stalin's brutal policies led to the deaths of nearly 30 million people, including the starvation of over 3 million Ukrainians in the early 1930s and the execution of 700,000 people during the Great Purge of 1937-1938.

Part two of the series explores Stalin's legacy and the impact that his rule had on the world. The program highlights how Stalin's leadership style and the value he placed on loyalty created a system that allowed for the accumulation of power, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The second part of the documentary examines the effect of Stalin’s rule on the Soviet Union and the impact that it had on the world.

The documentary provides a detailed account of Stalin's leadership style and his political ideology. It explores his use of propaganda to control the masses and paint him as a hero of the Soviet Union, despite his atrocities. The documentary also examines the internal and external pressures faced by Stalin, including the increasing tensions with the US, which led to the Cold War.

The program uses a mix of contemporary and archival footage, expert interviews, and analysis to create a vivid and accessible account of Stalin's life and legacy. The film takes a balanced and nuanced approach to its subject matter, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of Stalin's leadership style. It emphasizes Stalin's role in transforming the Soviet Union into a superpower while acknowledging his repression, mass executions, and forced labor camps.

Apocalypse: Stalin is a compelling and engaging documentary series that provides an insightful and comprehensive look at one of history's most controversial leaders. The series successfully navigates a complex and nuanced historical narrative and provides a thought-provoking and accessible account of Stalin's life and legacy. This documentary is a must-see for anyone with an interest in 20th-century history and the turbulent political landscape of Russia.