Reasons For Victory: Russia at War

Question 1

How successful was Gosplan to organising the war economy?

Answer 1

• relocated over 1500 factories in first month of war
• by 2942 economic planners able to devote 56% national income to war - much bigger than any other country
• armament production doubled between 41-44

Question 2

How did Stalin alter the presentation of the communist ideology during the war?

Answer 2

• propaganda emphasised patriotism importance
• communists stopped attacking church - ensure church backed government and war
• patriotism encouraged many to fight - love of country
• appeals to patriotism and church much more effective than appeals to communism

Question 3

Why was patriotism very important during the war?

Answer 3

gave Russians a reason to fight

Question 4

What role did the NKVD play during the war?

Answer 4

• drew up list of non-Russians living in USSR
• relocated/ killed
• e.g. 130,000 Kalmyks deported to Sibera, by 1953 60% dead