1941-1953: AI flashcards
What operation did Nazi Germany launch on 22 June 1941?
Operation Barbarossa
This operation marked the invasion of the Soviet Union.
How many Soviet aircraft were destroyed within 24 hours of the invasion?
1,200
This destruction occurred on the ground during the initial phase of Operation Barbarossa.
What was the estimated number of troops killed or injured after three weeks of fighting?
1 million
This figure highlights the severe impact of the invasion on Soviet forces.
What was the fate of 20 million people during the invasion?
They lived under German rule
This indicates the scale of occupation following the invasion.
What did Stalin do after the initial invasion of the Soviet Union?
He went to his dacha and remained hidden for two weeks
This reflects Stalin’s initial reaction to the crisis.
What change did Stalin make in his leadership style during the war?
He began to delegate responsibilities
This was necessary for effective military strategy against the Nazis.
What tactics did Stalin initially rely on, leading to defeat?
Civil War tactics
These tactics were inadequate for the scale and nature of World War II.
What was Order 270?
A directive that ordered the arrest and imprisonment of families of Russian soldiers who surrendered
This order reflected Stalin’s ruthless approach in the war’s early stages.
Who was appointed as deputy commissar of defense in August 1941?
Zhukov
Zhukov played a crucial role in Soviet military strategy and victories.
Which battles are associated with Stalin’s military leadership during the war?
Victory at Stalingrad (1943) and Leningrad (1944)
These battles were pivotal in turning the tide against the Nazis.
What did Stalin mature into during the final phase of the war?
A ‘real military commander’
This transformation was noted by Zhukov, indicating Stalin’s growth in military strategy.
What was the war rebranded as by the Soviet Union?
The Great Patriotic War
This rebranding aimed to unify the Soviet people against the Nazi invasion.
How many lives were lost during World War II, primarily among which demographic?
Over 25 million lives, mostly civilian
Many civilian casualties occurred due to starvation and warfare.
What role did women play in the Soviet war effort?
Four out of five collective farm workers were women; 1 million served
Women’s contributions were vital to sustaining the war effort.
What was the impact of propaganda during the war?
It emphasized Stalin as pivotal to Soviet success
This portrayal contributed to Stalin’s cult of personality.
What economic shift occurred during World War II in the Soviet Union?
The economy became more geared towards military production
This shift involved the establishment of 3,500 new factories east of the Urals.
What was the norm for work hours during the war?
A 72-hour week
This reflects the intense labor demands during wartime.
What agricultural tactics were used by both the Nazis and Soviets?
Scorched earth tactics
These tactics devastated agriculture in the western regions.
What period followed World War II in Stalin’s rule?
High Stalinism
This period was marked by Stalin’s political authority at its peak.
What characterized Stalin’s rule during the Cold War?
Increased paranoia and ruling alone
This led to diminished use of the Central Committee and Politburo.
What was the outcome of the Leningrad Affair in 1949?
Purge of members of the Leningrad party
This action reflected Stalin’s increasing paranoia.
What was the Doctors Plot in 1952?
An event where hundreds of doctors were arrested and tortured
Stalin feared a Jewish plot against his life.
What did the ‘cult of personality’ reach during Stalin’s rule?
Its height
Propaganda emphasized Stalin’s importance in Soviet society.
What was the Zhandanovschina aimed at?
Removing any Western influence
This cultural purge was led by Zhadanov.
What was the Fourth Five Year Plan (1946-50) focused on?
Rebuilding industry
By the end, the Soviet Union was second only to the US in industrial capacity.
What was the focus of the Fifth Five Year Plan (1951 to 1955)?
Emphasizing heavy industry
National income increased by 71% during this period.
What was the 1945 harvest compared to pre-war harvests?
Produced 60% of pre-war harvests
This decline contributed to famine conditions.
What caused another famine in 1946?
Combined with a drought
Agriculture remained neglected compared to industry.
What was agriculture’s status compared to industry after World War II?
It remained neglected and never returned to pre-1940 levels
This reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
