List of General Secretaries of the Soviet Union facts for kids
The General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was a very important job. It was the top leader of the only political party allowed in the Soviet Union. This person was often seen as the main leader of the entire country.
At first, the job of General Secretary was not the most powerful. The Premier was usually the main leader, like Lenin was. But Joseph Stalin changed this. He made the General Secretary position the most powerful role in the Soviet Union.
From 1953 to 1966, this important job was called the First Secretary instead of General Secretary.
Leaders of the Soviet Union: General Secretaries
This section lists the people who held the top leadership role in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. They were the most powerful figures in the country during their time.
Joseph Stalin: A Powerful Leader
- Joseph Stalin was the first General Secretary. He held the position from April 3, 1922, until his death on March 5, 1953. Stalin greatly increased the power of this role. He was born on December 18, 1878.
Nikita Khrushchev: The First Secretary
- Nikita Khrushchev took over on September 7, 1953. During his time, the title was changed to First Secretary. He served until October 14, 1964. Khrushchev was born on April 15, 1894, and passed away on September 11, 1971.
Leonid Brezhnev: A Long Term
- Leonid Brezhnev became the leader on October 14, 1964. He was also called First Secretary until 1966, when the title went back to General Secretary. He led the country until November 10, 1982. Brezhnev was born on December 19, 1906, and died on November 10, 1982.
Yuri Andropov: A Short Period
- Yuri Andropov served as General Secretary from November 12, 1982, to February 9, 1984. He was born on June 15, 1914, and passed away on February 9, 1984.
Konstantin Chernenko: Another Short Term
- Konstantin Chernenko held the position from February 13, 1984, to March 10, 1985. He was born on September 24, 1911, and died on March 10, 1985.
Mikhail Gorbachev: The Last General Secretary
- Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary on March 11, 1985. He was the last person to hold this title, serving until August 24, 1991. He was born on March 2, 1931.
Vladimir Ivashko: An Interim Leader
- Vladimir Ivashko briefly served as an interim (temporary) leader from August 24, 1991, to August 29, 1991. He was born on October 28, 1932, and died on November 13, 1994.
Images for kids
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Joseph Stalin
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Nikita Khrushchev
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Yuri Andropov
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Konstantin Chernenko
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Mikhail Gorbachev
