2.3 Changing priorities for industry and agriculture

Question 1

Explain Khrushchev’s investment in Agriculture

Answer 1

In 1955, to increase productivity, industrial collectives were given greater powers to make decisions at local level. The MTS were abolished. However, they were replaced with a system that expected each collective to buy its own machinery. Collectives were increased in size and there was a rapid increased in mechanisation, fertilisers and irrigation

Question 2

When was the Virgin Land Scheme introduced?

Answer 2

1954

Question 3

What was the Virgin Land Scheme?

Answer 3

It encouraged the opening up of new areas to agricultural production. Six million acres of land were brought under cultivation (use for crops) with considerable investment

Question 4

What was the first sign of the Virgin Land Scheme failing?

Answer 4

In 1959, the target for grain production in Kazakhstan failed to be met

Question 5

What was the impact on agriculture under Khrushchev?

Answer 5

The income of farmers doubled between 1952 and 1958, but still remained far below those of industrial workers. Between 1953 and 1958, food production increased by 51%

Question 6

What was agriculture like under Brezhnev?

Answer 6

There was a deliberate move away from Khrushchev’s approach of trying to find quick solutions. The Virgin Land Scheme was dropped. Heavy investment in agriculture remained and allowed peasant to have bigger private plots

Question 7

What was the impact of agriculture under Brezhnev?

Answer 7

There was a steady rise in overall production accompanied by a steady decline in workers productivity. A brigade system was established which meant that peasants could decide how profit was used. However, it encouraged a return to family farming leading to it being abolished

Question 8

When was the twelfth five year plan?

Answer 8

1986-1990

Question 11

What did Khrushchev want to focus on more?

Answer 11

Light industry, consumer goods, chemicals

Question 12

What did Khrushchev do to try to invigorate the soviet economy?

Answer 12

• Liberman plan
• regional economic councils
• managers given greater influence over production

Question 13

What effects did khrushchev’s reforms have on industry?

Answer 13

Not totally effective, conservatives in the politburo often diminished reforms and ideas such as party sectors only confused officials

Question 14

What did Khrushchev do to agriculture?

Answer 14

• Abolished the MTS scheme
• enlarged collectives into agrogorada
• allowed peasants to sell private produce
• virgin lands scheme

Question 15

What was an agrogorada?

Answer 15

Large collective which linked food production and food processing

Question 16

What agricultural results were there due to khrushchev’s reforms?

Answer 16

Output increased 51% and farmer’s wages doubled 1953 - 58, although productivity was still low and VLS experienced failure

Question 17

What did Brezhnev do to industry and agriculture?

Answer 17

Reverse Khrushchev’s reforms that were seen as detrimental and displeased central planners

Question 18

What were the Kosygin reforms?

Answer 18

Reforms put forward by Kosygin to try to improve innovation and initiative. Diminished to uselessness by Conservatives in the politburo

Question 19

What were the reasons for Soviet economic decline?

Answer 19

• Stalinist legacy
• outdated technology
• command economy flaws
• military industrial complex dominance