18.2 The economic and social condition of the Soviet Union

Question 1

What was the social state of the Soviet Union by 1941 under Stalin? (5)

Answer 1

• ‘‘Stalinism’ never entirely reshaped public opinion in USSR’ – Service
• Living standards did not increase + hierarchy again
• 1939 33% of the population lived in towns
• Communist control in the countryside increased. All worked in Kolkhoz supervised
• A new mass culture was being developed

Question 2

What had the social state been under Lenin?

Answer 2

• 1926 17% of the population lived in towns
• Demands of the Civil war lowered the living standards
• Classless society
• Workers exploited by capitalist employers
• Rationing was very high

Question 3

Had there been significant social changes from Lenin to Stalin?

Answer 3

YES = Hierarchy again, control in countryside increased and all worked in Kolkhoz

NO = ‘‘Stalinism’ never entirely reshaped public opinion in USSR’ – Service, living standards did not increase

Question 4

What did Robert Service say about the impact of stalinism on the public?

Answer 4

‘‘Stalinism’ never entirely reshaped public opinion in USSR’ – Service

Question 5

Who said - ‘‘Stalinism’ never entirely reshaped public opinion in USSR’ ?

Answer 5

Robert Service

Question 6

What was the economic state of the Soviet Union by 1941 under Stalin? (6)

Answer 6

• By 1941 Stalin’s 5 year plans had transformed the country – everything had been collectivised
• 1941 Russia was still producing less than it had under the NEP
• Stalin developed heavy industry, transport and power resources
• 3rd plan spending (38-41) on rearmament rose from 27.5bn to 70.9bn
• The quality of goods was poor though productivity had increased
• Modern farming techniques neglected

Question 7

What had the economic state been under Lenin?

Answer 7

• October 1917 Decree on the land, could own land privately
• Workers organised themselves in factories
• High inflation and rations were very low

Question 8

Had there been significant economic changes from Lenin to Stalin?

Answer 8

YES = 5 year plans, development of heavy industry, productivity had increased

NO = Quality of goods was low, 1941 Russia was still producing less than it had under the NEP, modern farming techniques were neglected