Georgy Maximilianovich Malenkov, a Russian statesman and Politburo member, held the leadership of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1955 following the death of Joseph Stalin. Raised in a wealthy farming family, Malenkov’s involvement in the Russian Revolution of 1917 as a volunteer in the Red Army propelled him to prominence during the Civil War. With personal connections to Vladimir Lenin and a working relationship with Stalin, Malenkov played a crucial role in overseeing the party’s records and leading the Soviet missile program during World War II. Although he was forced to relinquish control of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Malenkov remained the Premier of the Soviet Union until 1955 before being deposed by Nikita Khrushchev. Despite attempting a failed coup against Khrushchev in 1957, Malenkov was ultimately removed from the Politburo and exiled to Kazakhstan.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Georgy Maximilianovich Malenkov
- Died At Age: 86
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Valeriya Golubtsova
- Father: Maksimilian Malenkov
- Mother: Anastasiya Shemiakina
- Political Leaders
- Russian Men
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm), 5’7″ Males
- Died on: January 14, 1988
- Place of death: Moscow, Russia
- Notable Alumni: Moscow Highest Technical School
- Education: Moscow Highest Technical School
Childhood & Early Life
Georgy Malenkov was born on January 8, 1902, in Orenburg, Russian Empire. His father was Maksimilian Malenkov, a prosperous farmer, and his mother, Anastasiya Shemiakina, was the daughter of a blacksmith. Malenkov’s family was dislocated during the revolution and the Civil War, which he witnessed as a teenager. He enlisted in the Red Army as a volunteer in 1918 and became a part of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in 1920.
Political Career
Malenkov quickly rose through the ranks of the Communist Party and became a tough communist Bolshevik. He worked closely with Stalin and played a significant role in the purges and the downfall of Nikolai Yezhov. Malenkov assumed various positions within the party and government, including the head of the communist party’s Cadres Directorate and the chairman of the committee for post-war economic rehabilitation.
World War II and Missile Program
During World War II, Malenkov supervised military aircraft production and was in charge of the nuclear weapons program. He also played a crucial role in setting up the Soviet missile and rocket program, using the German missile industry that had already been in place. Malenkov oversaw the relocation of the German V2 missile industry to Moscow, which led to the success of the Soviet missile program and the creation of the Russian space program.
Leadership of the Soviet Union
After Stalin’s death in 1953, a power struggle ensued among his top lieutenants. Malenkov secured the premiership and became the leader of the Soviet Union. However, his power was short-lived, and he was forced to resign from the Secretariat nine days later. Malenkov continued to serve in various positions under Premier Nikolai Bulganin but was eventually thrown out of the Politburo.
Later Years & Death
Malenkov spent the next 26 years in political oblivion and was sent to work at a hydroelectric plant in Kazakhstan. He later returned to Moscow and stayed away from politics for the rest of his life. Malenkov died on January 14, 1988, at the age of 86.
Major Reforms
As the Premier of the Soviet Union, Malenkov adopted a more liberal policy than his predecessor. He advocated for increased production of consumer goods, opposed nuclear armament, and implemented reforms to improve agriculture and distribute passports to villagers. However, many of these reforms were not fully implemented or successful.
Awards and Personal Life
Malenkov received several awards and honors, including the title of Hero of Socialist Labour and three Orders of Lenin. He had a partner named Valeria Golubtsova, with whom he had three children. Golubtsova held anti-Semitic views and had a successful career in the communist party.
Trivia
Georgy Malenkov was portrayed by Jeffrey Tambor in the 2017 satirical film ‘The Death of Stalin’.