But his economic reforms came at a huge price - his enforced collective farming led to a famine in the early 1930s that is thought to have killed at least six million people. In the same decade, Stalin launched his 'Great Purge', a ruthless campaign of political repression, persecutions and killings that is estimated to have resulted in around four million deaths. These are conservative figures - as many as 20 million or more may have been killed by Stalin's regime and he is recognized today as one of the most evil dictators in history. Stalin's Soviet Union was a major factor in the defeat of Hitler in World War Two, and Stalin emerged from the war as leader of one of the world's two superpowers, quickly building a 'Communist Bloc' in Eastern Europe. .
4. Elizabeth I.
Elizabeth was a successful monarch, helping steady the nation even after inheriting an enormous national debt from her sister Mary. Under her, England managed to avoid a crippling Spanish invasion. Elizabeth was also able to prevent the outbreak of a religious or civil war on English soil. She was the first and last female monarch from the House of Tudor to rule as a protestant queen; she reigned for almost 45 years, during a period marked by increases in English power and influence worldwide, as well as great religious turmoil within England. Under Elizabeth the English began to become a world power, the Anglican Church was strengthened into a formal church, the Renaissance came to Britain, and most importantly, the idea that a woman could lead a nation was solidified. Elizabeth's reign is referred to as the Elizabethan era or the Golden Age of Elizabeth. .
5. Medici Family.
The rise of the Medici in Florence coincided with the triumph of the capitalist class over the guild merchants and artisans. Until 1532 the democratic constitution of Florence was outwardly upheld, but the Medici exerted actual control over the government without holding any permanent official position.
