Changes In Industry Flashcards
What were Stalin’s motives for industrialisation
He was convinced that the surrounding capitalist countries were trying to invade. A strong industrial economy would produce the wealth and modern weapons that the Soviet Union needed if it was to survive.
He needed to modernise agriculture which can only be achieved if the industry changed. Thousand of tractors and fuel was needed for mechanisation.
Strongly opposed the NEP and if he went ahead with the 5 year plans, it would help him out manoeuvre his rivals.
What was the first five year plan?
It concentrated on heavy industry such as coal, steel and iron. The new industries such as electricity, motor vehicles, chemicals and rubber was also targeted. New factories and industrial centres were constructed and towns were constructed from scratch. An example is Magnitogorsk where it grew from 25 in 1929 to 250,000 in 1932.
(1928-1932)
Impacts of the first 5 year plan
Workers were expected to work as hard as possible and meet their targets. There were terrible conditions and food rationing but most people were enthusiastic due to a thought of a new country being built.
The second five year plan
Set targets for increased consumer goods
Made greater use of technical expertise with huge growth in coal and chemical industries and successes in the output of electricity, transport development and mineral mining. Oil production remained disappointing.
Fear of invasion from the west and Nazi germany increased and heavy industry again became the priority. Arms production trembled during the 2nd plan
(1933-37)
Third five year plan
It was launched in 1938 and abandoned when Nazi German invaded in June 1941. Concentrated on production of household goods and luxury items. Heavy industry however became the priority when threat of war came closer. Even though armaments were produced in great numbers, there were problems in oil and steel. Also purges provided problems and many senior workers and officers were removed.
Successes of industrialisation
Industrial production increased such as coal, steel, oil and electricity. A skilled work force was an outcome as investment in education and training schemes. Resulted in a new class including teachers, engineers, factory managers and skilled workers. They received more pay than ordinary workers and revived extra benefits and had better living standards. Even though it went against beliefs of communism, Stalin believed incentives were needed. Cities developed and vast construction projects were undertaken
Failures of industrialisation
Targets of five year plans were too ambitious and production of textiles actually declined and the housing industry was virtually ignored. Also there was a serious shortage of consumer goods.
Also quality was a huge issue as half the tractors broke down soon after use.
Working conditions were terrible and peasants were pressed into working in factories. Millions died as a result of his policies and anyone who complained about conditions were considered enemies of the state
What was the Gosplan
The state planning authority which set targets for certain industries and ensured they were given priority in the allocation of manpower and resources
