Final answer:
Stalinism was a political and economic system implemented by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, characterized by totalitarianism and an emphasis on industrialization. Attempts to 'de-Stalinize' began after Stalin's death and involved denouncing his cult of personality and implementing liberal reforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stalinism refers to the political and economic system implemented by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. It was characterized by totalitarianism, where the state had complete control over the lives of its citizens. Stalinism aimed to build a socialist society in Russia through industrialization and strict adherence to Marxist ideology.
Attempts to 'de-Stalinize' began after Stalin's death in 1953 and intensified during the period known as the Khrushchev Thaw under Nikita Khrushchev's leadership. De-Stalinization involved denouncing the cult of personality, acknowledging the crimes committed by Stalin, and implementing some liberal reforms.
Key figures and policies associated with de-Stalinization include Nikita Khrushchev, the Secret Speech in 1956, the release of some political prisoners, and a greater emphasis on personal freedoms and less control by the state.