25 Most Cruel Rulers In History

Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin was the first leader and revolutionary of Soviet Russia, overthrowing the monarchy and turning Russia into a totalitarian state. However, the Red Terror is his true claim to infamy. This was a massive campaign by him under the Bolshevik government to imprison and execute the former ruling classes. However, it also repressed peasants, industrial workers, priests and anyone who opposed the Bolshevik government. Within the first few months, 15,000 people died, priests and nuns were crucified, and it would become common practice for the police to kidnap a husband so his wife would come and purchase him back with her body.