Stalinist economy

Question 1

Stalin’s impact on economy

Answer 1

By 1941 Stalin’s plans had transformed Russia

Question 2

Russia’s economic position by 1940

Answer 2

The USSR had overtaken Britain in iron and steel production and was not far behind Germany.

Question 3

When were preparations for war evident

Answer 3

In the 3rd 5 year Plan; spending on rearmament rose between 1938 and 1941 from 27.5 billion roubles to 70.9 billion roubles.

Question 4

Notable weaknesses

Answer 4

• consumer goods were scarcer in 1941 than they had been under the NEP]
• quality of goods was also poor as they cared about quantity rather than quality due to quotas.
• Central planning system at local levels was chaotic
• Stalin purged specialists and managers
• producing less grain in 1941 than under the NEP