Assess the impact of collectivisation and industrialisation on Soviet society and the economy to 1941? Flashcards
Intro
Thesis: Stalin’s implementation of collectivization and rapid industrialization drove profound transformation within Soviet society, however, at an immense human toll.
Failures of the NEP -> economic policy that saw the systematic, brutal industrialization to propel USSR economically
Left a haunting legacy -> scars of the Agrarian fabric which was significant and enduring.
BP1 - Collectivisation
The initial cornerstone of Stalin’s economic transformation was his push for collectivization, driven by the desire for modernisation.
Primitive socialist accumulation -> sell of grain to acquire capital. Led to requisition of Kulaks land -> collective farms called Kolkhoz which after a year 60% of peasants were forced to work on.
Strict quotes led to unrealistic demands and strain on agriculture sector
1928: Policy of ‘Dekulakization’ aimed at creating affordable prices -> liquidation of Kulaks social class, 6 million lost their land through depersonalization.
Response British Historian Figes stated “Peasants took up passive resistance. -> hindering collectivisation.
Resistance met with harsh punishments ‘terror in the countryside’ (Gulags, show trials & public executions) -> exacerbation of the 1932 Holodomor famine in Ukraine, starvation of 7-14 million peasants.
Increase of workers through gulag -> prestige projects Baltic White-sea Dam. 12 thousands died with 10 thousand being on the last year due to Gosplans unrealistic deadlines.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the rapid processes of collectivization and industrialization in the USSR had adverse consequences for its foundational ideals, Stalin ultimately achieved his goal of rapidly modernizing the nation.
Industrialisation and collectivisation facilitated the repel of the Nazi in 1941.
BP2 - Industrialisation
In addition to collectivization, Stalin’s economic policies during the period of 1928-1941, particularly the series of Five-Year Plans, played a pivotal role in the radical transformation of the Soviet economy through rapid industrialization
Succeeded in overhauling the agrain society -> modern industrial nation. Due to USSR diplomatic isolation + “50 to 100 years behind the advanced countries.” Stalin.
Set of ambitious goals in first fire year plan, developing a heavy industry infrastructure (steel) for modernisation.
Called the ‘Great Turn’ remarkable growth with steel increasing by 37% in the conclusion of the First five year plan.
Industrialization through urbanization. 20 million peasants collectivisation in cities due to government incentives + fleeing collective farms. Facilitated a large working class -> fulfilled Bolshevik ideological goals.
The Stakhanovite movement increased productivity of workers. Pushing for workers to accede to their daily production quotas -> so popular Stakhanovite was front cover of times 1935.
