Political and Social Condition Soviet Union In 1941 Flashcards
By 1941 what was the political condition of the USSR?
STRENGTHS
Stalin politically stronger than ever
No meaningful opposition left (purges etc)
Loyalty to Stalin only thing important to political advancement
CULT OF PERSONALITY- propaganda in late 1930’s developed a god like persona for Stalin- belief that Stalin was the man to solve problems and bring improvements
This was a strength during war
WEAKNESS
Dominance of the Communist party created a conservative political system
No place for new ideas or innovation
By 1941 what were the Economic strengths of the USSR?
STRENGTHS
5 yr plan chaotic, but delivered:
1) Creation of new cities - Magnitogorsk
2) Building of Dneipostroi dam for hydroelectric power
3) Raw material production increased massively. Steel production up by 400% and coal production by 600% between 1928-1941
4) Workforce significantly more skilled in 1941 than 17 years earlier
5) Peasants cultivating own private plots on collective farms after 1935 supply of veg, eggs and meat up
6) Rapid industrialisation of 5 yr plans helped war effort. Central command meant rapid decisions e.g. move industry from west to east beyond Ural mountains
By 1941 what were the economic weaknesses of the USSR?
Collectivisation unsuccessful overall
- fierce resistance from peasants
- slaughter, destruction of property and poor grain harvests very damaging
Centrally planned economy difficult to operate efficiently- too big to be controlled from Moscow. Bureaucracy and inefficiency features of Soviet economic system
Purges meant people reluctant to put forward ideas. Didn’t want to be accountable if bad idea. Managers arrested if targets not met
Culture of fear - people would rather cover up mistakes than make improvements
Even Stakhanovite movement could have its downsides- other workers resented their privileges and managers didn’t appreciate having to support them becoming one
By 1941 what were the Social improvements?
Literacy Rates much higher in 1941 than 1924
- education in both rural and urban areas
- much higher representation of working class people and women in higher education
Greater access to social services e.g. healthcare and nursery care (helped women enter the workforce)
There was social mobility - someone with peasant background could rise through ranks of the party if talented and loyal to Stalin (more important)
By 1941 what were the Social weaknesses?
Disruption to people’s lives
- families split, people left countryside for work in industrial cities
- living conditions in industrial cities difficult
-culture of fear and blame in industrial areas meant people changed jobs and where lived a lot
- working class worked in harsh and dangerous conditions+ harsh discipline
Purges meant constant fear- trust nobody. Breakdown of usual norms of trust, morality and friendship
Woman REMAINED second class citizens. Balancing traditional duties with need to work in support of the 5 year plans
