Nikita Khrushchev's appointment as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union represented a pivotal moment in Soviet history, unfolding shortly after the death of Joseph Stalin. Khrushchev, who had been a loyal member of Stalin's inner circle, emerged as a leading candidate for the position amidst a power struggle that ensued in the aftermath of Stalin's passing. The Soviet Union was then navigating the complexities of post-Stalin politics, as various factions vied for influence within the Communist Party. On September 13, 1953, Khrushchev was officially appointed to this high-ranking position during a Politburo meeting in Moscow. His leadership style was characterized by a focus on reform and de-Stalinization, a deliberate movement away from the terror-driven policies that had pervaded Stalin's regime.

Khrushchev's rise was both a continuation of communist ideology and a response to the widespread desire for change among the Soviet populace and leadership. His initial reforms aimed to lessen state control over daily life and promote agricultural efficiency over the heavy industrial focus that defined Stalin's era. Khrushchev's approach to leadership involved more collaborative decision-making, emphasizing collective efforts rather than the authoritarian rule that had marked the Stalin years. These changes initiated the start of a new era of Soviet domestic and foreign policy, setting the stage for his later initiatives, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and efforts to engage with the West in a less confrontational manner.

His tenure would also bring to light internal conflicts within the Communist Party and clash with hardline elements staunchly supporting Stalin's methods. Khrushchev's eventual push towards greater openness, known as Glasnost, further demonstrated his commitment to reform. Such ideological shifts reshaped not only the Soviet Union but also its relationships with Eastern Bloc countries as well as the West, heralding significant changes in the global landscape during the Cold War.