The Fourth Five Year Plan (1946-50) Flashcards
What were the main features of the Fourth FYP?
To reconvert wartime factories back to civilian production.
To reconstruct large scale industrial plants that had been destroyed.
To ensure that the economy was in a constant state of readiness for war.
To restore the economy to pre war levels.
What were the successes?
1950 - industrial production = 75% higher than in 1940
Metal and heavy engineering = particularly successful
Some of the big prestige project of 1930s that had been destroyed were rebuilt.
What were the failures?
Consumer goods neglected - worsened by the fact that in 1947 the state reformed the currency - drastically reduced amount of money in circulation - people struggling to buy necessities - bartering and black market widespread.
How did occupation of Eastern Europe countries aid Russia in achieving the aims of the 4th FYP?
Large amounts of machinery could be seized from Eastern European countries and taken back to Russia. - however, few people actually knew how to put the machinery together.
Signed favourable trade treaties with them.
How did occupation of Eastern European countries hinder Russia in achieving the aims of the 4th FYP?
Had to concentrate on maintaining control over Eastern European countries.
What other factors hindered Russia in achieving the aims of the 4th FYP?
Concentrating on keeping up with the USA in the Cold War.
Lend lease scheme - cancelled - played a part in worsening relations between Russia and its wartime allies.
How did the Gulag system aid Russia in achieving the aims of the 4th FYP?
2 million slave labourers in Gulags greatly contributed to increased industrial production.
Treatment of workers during the 4th FYP
Retrained
Harsh penalties
Role of women
Not only men working in industry, but also women - more people working - higher production.
Dates of the Fourth Five Year Plan?
1946-50
