USSR Industrialization

Question 1

reason for Industrialization and
Five-Year Plans

Answer 1

Reasons For

Many regions of the USSR were backward – those that were
would be defeated – needed to build modern state

Only by industrializing would Socialism survive – then could
overtake world

Feared German invasion – after 1931 – see rise of National
Socialists

5 Year Plans were useful propaganda for both Stalin and
Communism

Keep workers and people dizzy with success – less to focus
on (build dream)

Ensure the nation was self sufficient and to create the
workers state

Question 2

How was Industrialization
5 Year Plans achived

Answer 2

How Achieved

Through series of 5 Year Plans – aimed at different aspects (heavy and light)

1st (1928 – 1932), 2nd (1933-1937), 3rd (1938 – 1941)

Plans were drawn up by Gosplan (state planning organization)

Targets were set for industries, workers and regions – needed to achieve

Workers and foreign experts called in to help with workd

Individuals and workers fined for not achieving targets

Huge propaganda campaigns put into effect to promote work and targets
(Stakhonovite Movement)

Slave Labour used to achieve large work projects (dams, canals, etc) – see
minorities, see political opponents

Question 3

Reason for Collectivization of
Agriculture

Answer 3

Reasons For

Agriculture Backward – needed to increase
production

Kulaks hoarding grain and driving up prices

Needed to get more food to provide for
workers in cities

Needed to free up workers from land to go in
cities for industry

Needed more cash crops to reinvest in
industry – sell goods

Kulaks opposed communism – liked NEP and
private wealth (opposition)