The Great Turn (11) Flashcards
What was the “Great Turn”?
Between 1927 and 1929 there was a dramatic shift in economic policy.
Why was the NEP left abandoned?
Because the regime committed itself to rapid industrialisation.
What weakened production?
Strikes, managerial inefficiency and low levels of mechanisation.
Who did Officials blame?
They blamed Nepmen (private traders) for obstructing central planners.
Who did factory managers blame?
Government officials for interfering and demanding unrealistically low prices.
What were the problems with industrialisation closely linked with?
Agriculture and collectivisation
What did the regime require?
Sufficient food to supply the needs of industrial workers, and also wanted a grain surplus to help pay for industrial investment and machinery.
Who did they hope would achieve what was needed?
Kolkhozes and Sovkhozes (voluntary collectives and state farms).
By 1928 what percentage of the peasant population were working on collective farms?
5%
In terms of management how was this a reason for the “Great turn”?
There were serious weaknesses in industrial management, and more efficiency was needed to increase production, to improve the quality of industrial goods. both peasants and urban workers were facing harsh economic conditions, including shortages, unemployment, and low living standards.
In terms of the drive towards industrialisation how was this a reason for the “Great turn”?
Industrialisation was perceived to be going too slowly. By 1927, the NEP was failing to produce the growth that many leading communists had expected; they wanted to increase the USSR’s military strength and develop its self-sufficiency.
In terms of grain production how was this a reason for the “Great turn”?
There was a huge crisis in grain procurement in the winter of 1927 to 1928. The amount of grain purchased by the government was 25% down on the previous year’s total. Grain prices were low and peasant producers were concentrating on other goods for which they could obtain higher prices.
In terms of Stalin how was this a reason for the “Great turn”?
Stalin’s attitude to economic policy was also changing. having previously supported the NEP he was now ready to be more radical. They may have been because economic circumstances pushed him to look for new solutions or because he now felt secure enough in power to push through the policies he had always wanted.
What happened in 1925 with economic policy?
The Fourteenth Party Congress called for “the transformation of our country from an agrarian into an industrial one, capable by its own efforts of producing the necessary means.
What happened in 1926 with economic policy?
The NEP was maintained although concerns were raised as more investment was needed to drive industry forwards.
