The Soviets: A Mix of Caution and Opportunism

Leonid Brezhnev: 1906-1982

In his 76th year, Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev possessed more power than any other individual on earth. He held undisputed authority as President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and General Secretary of the Communist Party. In the twilight of a political career that virtually spanned the history of the Soviet Union, he accumulated extraordinary honors. Although his contributions to the Red Army's wartime efforts were largely limited to political propagandizing, he gained the exalted rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union. He was the only Russian in history...