Stalin and The USSR Flashcards
What was Lenin’s first economic policy?
War Communism, a command economy where the government controlled all economic aspects and abolished private property. It led to famine, revolt, and a drop in production.
What was the outcome of War Communism?
It failed, resulting in famine, a decline in both agricultural and industrial production, and revolt by the Soviet people.
What was the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
Introduced by Lenin in 1921, the NEP allowed limited capitalism, where peasants could own land and small businesses could sell goods. It helped the economy recover but created a wealthy class of peasants (Kulaks), which contradicted communist ideals.
What was the problem with the NEP?
The NEP created a rich peasant class (Kulaks), which undermined the communist goal of a classless society and equality.
How did Stalin change Lenin’s economic policies?
After Lenin’s death, Stalin replaced the NEP with centralized economic planning, focusing on industrialization and collectivization.
What were Stalin’s Five Year Plans?
Economic plans aimed to industrialize the USSR by 20% each year, focusing on heavy industry and capital goods, but led to shortages of consumer goods.
What was the impact of Stalin’s Five Year Plans?
They industrialized the USSR but caused a lack of basic consumer goods and worsened living conditions.
What was the Great Purge?
A period of extreme repression (1936-1938) where Stalin’s NKVD executed and arrested perceived enemies, including Communist Party members and political rivals.
What role did the Kulaks play in Stalin’s policies?
The Kulaks, wealthy peasants who resisted collectivization, were persecuted during Stalin’s “De-Kulakization” campaign. Many were arrested, executed, or sent to labor camps (Gulags).
Who did Stalin scapegoat for the Soviet Union’s problems?
Stalin blamed capitalism, supporters of Leon Trotsky, and the Kulaks for the country’s problems, using them as scapegoats for social and economic issues.
What was Stalin’s approach to indoctrination?
The Communist Party under Stalin used propaganda and strict indoctrination to promote Marxism and loyalty to Stalin, particularly targeting youth through programs like the Young Pioneers.
What was the Young Pioneers?
A youth program in the USSR aimed at indoctrinating children to accept communism and loyalty to Stalin, fostering a generation of loyal citizens.
