The role of the cult of personality in dictatorship

Joseph Stalin and Napoleon Bonaparte are two hugely significant figures in world history. Each man rose to enormous power and the influence of each can still be seen in his respective nation. A major factor in the success of both of these men was their establishment of a major personality cult. This thesis examines the construction and management of the cult of personality in Napoleon's France and Stalin's USSR and the significant role the cult of personality played during each man's leadership. Also examined is the legacy each leader left behind after his rule ended and how this legacy gives further evidence to the power of the personality cult.