Svetlana Alliluyeva
Daughter of Joseph Stalin
Biography
Gallery (4)
FAQ
Lists
Also Viewed
Questions and Answers
FAQ
Q: Who was Svetlana Alliluyeva?
A: Svetlana Alliluyeva, also known as Lana Peters, was the daughter of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. She was born on February 28, 1926, in Moscow, Russia. Alliluyeva gained international attention when she defected to the West in 1967, leaving behind her children and the Soviet Union.
Q: Why did Svetlana Alliluyeva defect to the West?
A: Svetlana Alliluyeva defected to the West mainly because of her dissatisfaction with the Soviet regime and her desire for a different life. She was also influenced by her late husband's death and felt alienated from her family and the political climate in the USSR. Alliluyeva's defection caused a major political and diplomatic incident between the Soviet Union and the United States.
Q: What happened to Svetlana Alliluyeva after defecting?
A: After defecting to the West, Svetlana Alliluyeva lived in Switzerland before settling in the United States. She changed her name to Lana Peters and wrote several books, including her memoir, "Twenty Letters to a Friend." Alliluyeva had a complex and often challenging personal life, with multiple marriages and frequent moves. She passed away on November 22, 2011, in Richland Center, Wisconsin.
Q: Did Svetlana Alliluyeva ever reconcile with her family in the Soviet Union?
A: Svetlana Alliluyeva made several attempts to reconcile with her family in the Soviet Union, including her brother Vasily Stalin. However, these efforts were often met with resistance and suspicion from the Soviet authorities. Alliluyeva's relationship with her family remained strained throughout her life, and she rarely saw them after defecting to the West.
Q: What impact did Svetlana Alliluyeva's defection have?
A: Svetlana Alliluyeva's defection had a significant impact on the public image of the Soviet Union and Stalin's legacy. Her decision to defect and speak out against the Soviet regime shed light on the realities and hardships faced by individuals living under Soviet rule. Alliluyeva's actions also raised questions about the cult of personality surrounding Joseph Stalin and the inner workings of the Soviet leadership.