Final answer:
Josef Stalin opposed Leon Trotsky and other potential threats to his rule in the Soviet Union, leading to Trotsky's exile and assassination, the Great Purge of political rivals, and aggressive policies that caused famine and societal upheaval.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main answer to the question on Josef Stalin's opposition in Animal Farm pertains to his real-life actions. In reality, Stalin opposed Leon Trotsky, who is represented by the character Snowball in the novel. After Lenin's death in 1924, Stalin consolidated power by eliminating his political rivals. One of the most notable rivals was Trotsky, who was exiled and eventually assassinated on Stalin's orders. In the broader context of Soviet politics, Stalin implemented Great Purge, targeting a wide range of individuals he deemed to be threats, including party members, military leaders, and citizens. This led to the execution and imprisonment of millions.Stalin's aggressive Five-Year Plans and forced collectivization policies caused widespread famine and suffering, most notably the Holodomor in Ukraine. The repression and purging of enemies extended beyond politics to the Soviet military and peasantry, significantly impacting Soviet society and the country's ability to respond to threats such as the Nazi invasion during World War II.In conclusion, Josef Stalin opposed numerous real and perceived enemies to maintain his authoritarian rule. His policies of industrialization, collectivization, and political repression led to massive social and economic upheaval, as well as the loss of countless lives.