Short Answer 
Stalin’s regime transformed the Soviet Union into a police state characterized by repression, propaganda, and an extensive surveillance apparatus. His policies of rapid industrialization and collectivization resulted in economic turmoil and widespread famine, while his reactionary measures to perceived threats led to internal purges and tensions with the West, fueling the Cold War.
Step 1: Establishment of a Police State
After the Russian Revolution, the Soviet Union under Stalin transformed into a powerful police state. This involved the use of terror and repression to control the populace. Key elements included:
- Creation of an extensive surveillance network.
- The establishment of organizations like the NKVD for enforcing loyalty.
- Utilization of propaganda to promote Stalin’s image and suppress dissent.
Step 2: Economic Industrialization and Collectivization
Stalin’s push for rapid industrialization and Collectivization of agriculture was central to his regime. His policies aimed to transform the USSR into a major industrial power, but they came at a grave cost:
- Forced consolidation of peasant lands led to widespread famine.
- Intense purges targeted those who opposed Stalin’s policies.
- Economic focus on heavy industry at the expense of consumer goods and living standards.
Step 3: Reaction to Internal and External Threats
Stalin’s rule was marked by a reactionary approach to perceived threats both inside and outside the Soviet Union. His strategies included:
- Implementing purges to eliminate any rivals within the Communist Party.
- Viewing foreign fascist states as a significant risk, influencing his expansionist policies post-World War II.
- Turning the USSR into a global superpower, leading to the Cold War conflict with the West.