During the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in Moscow, Nikita Khrushchev delivered a secret speech that fundamentally altered the trajectory of Soviet politics. This address, later known for denouncing Joseph Stalin's cult of personality, detailed the oppressive tactics employed under Stalin's regime, including purges, forced labor camps, and widespread terror. Khrushchev argued that Stalin had betrayed the principles of Marxism-Leninism and emphasized the importance of returning to collective leadership to prevent future abuses of power. The speech, deeply critical of Stalin's legacy, marked a shift toward a more liberal approach within the Communist Party and set the stage for de-Stalinization across the Soviet Union.

Khrushchev's remarks were bold; he revealed sensitive information that had been kept from the general public, including statistics on the victims of Stalin's purges and errors in Soviet foreign policy under Stalin's leadership. The speech was part of Khrushchev's broader strategy to consolidate his power and rehabilitate the party following the Stalin era. Its secret nature meant that details began to leak, creating unrest and debate among party members and the broader populace, igniting discussions about the nature of leadership and governance in communism.

In the years following his speech, Khrushchev implemented several reforms aimed at dismantling the oppressive structures established under Stalin, including the release of political prisoners and a decrease in repression by the secret police. However, while this denouncement opened debate and dialogue about Stalin's legacy, it also faced backlash from hardliners. Khrushchev's attempt at reform ultimately influenced global perceptions of the Soviet Union and its ideological stance, paving the way for later leaders to negotiate the complex legacy left by Stalin.