Central Committee and Secretariat: As General Secretary, Stalin had the authority to appoint and dismiss members of the Central Committee and the Secretariat, the two most powerful bodies within the CPSU. By stacking these bodies with his loyal supporters, he was able to control party decisions and suppress any dissent.
Elimination of Rivals: Stalin launched a systematic campaign to eliminate any potential challengers to his power. This included the imprisonment, exile, or execution of prominent party members, military leaders, and intellectuals who were seen as threats. The most notable of these purges was the Great Purge of the 1930s, during which millions of people were arrested, many of whom were summarily executed.
Personality Cult: Stalin cultivated a cult of personality around himself, with propaganda portraying him as an infallible leader whose wisdom and decisions were unquestionable. This propaganda machine, combined with strict censorship and control over the media, helped shape public opinion and suppress any criticism of Stalin's policies.
Control over Government and Military: Stalin consolidated his power not only within the party but also in the Soviet government and military. He held key positions, including that of General Secretary, Prime Minister, and head of the military, effectively combining political and military power under his control.
Totalitarian Rule: Through these strategies, Stalin established a totalitarian regime in the Soviet Union, where he exercised absolute control over every aspect of society, from politics and economics to culture and education.