12 - Changes In Industry Flashcards
Overview:
Stalin wanted to modernise the Soviet Union so he introduced the 5 year plan.
By 1941, Stalin transformed the country into the second strongest nation however there were very poor working conditions
Why did Stalin want rapid industrialisation
Stalin introduced production targets for the industry and he believes that these were great only way to transform the Soviet Union in a short amount of time
Workers were told how much they had to produce
He introduced this because :
- he thought other countries would invade the Soviet Union
He thought that into an industrial economy could produce the weapons they would need to survive if they were attacked
To modernise agriculture industry also had to be modernised.
Stalin opposed the NEP as it went against communist ideals
What was the first 5 year plan?
The first five year plan focussed on heave industry
E,g electricity, motor vehicles were targeted and textiles was neglected
New industrial centres were built away from areas of possible attack by the west.
Workers were expected to work as hard as possible to reach the targets that Stalin set
If individual workers didn’t reach targets they were shamed
Most people were enthusiastic about the 5 year plan despite poor conditions and food rationing as they felt a new country was being created and it would bring a better society
What was the second 5 year plan
At first it set targets for increased production of consumer goods
Rationing ended but strikes banned
Made better use of technical skills with growth in coal and chemical industries
As fear of invasion increased, heavy industry became the priority
What was the third five year plan
It focussed on household goods and luxury items
But heavy industry became the priority when threat of war increased
Third plan experiences problems due to purges as senior workers and experienced engineers were removed
