Soviet Union: How did Stalin devastate the Soviet Union? Flashcards
What did Stalin do that caused an economic impact?
Collectivisation, rapid industrialisation
What did Stain do that caused a political impact?
The Great Terror, Propaganda
What did Stalin do that caused a social impact?
State control of society, let people live in fear, policies impact on social groups
What happened when collectivisation was implemented?
Many peasants, including the rich farmers, killed their animals and crops, which contributed to the Great Famine. State collected grain for factories and left none for the people.
What happened when rapid industrialization was implemented?
Lesser demand for farm workers, more production of food to supply, more new factories and expansion of industrial workforce, state quotas were set
What was the purpose of the Five-Year Plans?
It was to rapidly industrialise the Soviet Union
What was the negative impact of the Five-Year Plans?
Little growth in consumer industries, underproduction due to material shortage, overproduction to meet quota, quality of products was sub-standard and potentially hazardous
What was the purpose of The Great Terror?
Stalin wanted to consolidate his power and enforce party discipline, and remove any domestic opposition
What actions were taken during The Great Terror?
Purges and show trials, arrests and interrogations
What was the impact of the Great Terror?
Loss of intellectuals, skilled workers and officers->affected the workforce, civil service and education->no experienced and capable commanders for army->weakened USSR
How did state control of society impact the people?
This resulted in a fall in standard of living, famine, and lack of consumer goods
Why was there a fall in the standard of living?
People cannot buy or build houses, many were forced to live in cramp conditions, workers were pushed very hard and had poor working conditions
Why was there a famine?
State controlled the use of agricultural produce and forcibly took farmers’ crops. Did not distribute it and sold it overseas for funds for industrial machinery and development
Why was there a lack of consumer goods?
Focus on production of industrial goods->neglect on consumer goods, more focus on producing weapons than consumer goods for the welfare of the people
Why did the people live in fear?
Spies and informers everywhere->people killed/arrested for the slightest reason->those judged poorly faced difficulty applying for jobs, housing and holidays