Nikita Khrushchev became the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1953, after the death of Joseph Stalin.

Background:
The Soviet Union was established in 1922, and the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) was its ruling political party. Joseph Stalin was the General Secretary of the CPSU from 1922 until his death in 1953.

Khrushchev's Rise to Power:
After Stalin's death, Khrushchev emerged as a key figure in the power struggle within the CPSU. He was able to secure the support of several high-ranking officials and members of the Politburo, and in 1953, he was appointed the First Secretary of the CPSU.

Khrushchev's Reforms:
Khrushchev's leadership marked a significant departure from Stalin's policies. He initiated a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the Soviet economy and society. These included:

1. De-Stalinization: Khrushchev denounced Stalin's cult of personality and his repressive policies. He released political prisoners, rehabilitated victims of Stalin's purges, and removed many of Stalin's loyalists from positions of power.

2. Agricultural Reforms: Khrushchev introduced a program of agricultural reforms aimed at increasing food production and improving the lives of rural peasants. These included the introduction of new farming techniques, the construction of new irrigation systems, and the establishment of collective farms.

3. Economic Reforms: Khrushchev introduced a series of economic reforms aimed at modernizing the Soviet economy and increasing efficiency. These included the decentralization of economic decision-making, the establishment of new industries, and the promotion of consumer goods.

Khrushchev's Downfall:
Despite his early successes, Khrushchev's reforms faced significant opposition from within the CPSU. His policies were seen as too liberal by some members of the party, and his attempts to reform the Soviet economy were met with resistance from entrenched interests. In 1964, Khrushchev was removed from power in a bloodless coup and replaced by Leonid Brezhnev.