1.5a How important were economic weaknesses in bringing about the collapse of the USSR? Flashcards
(70 cards)
What did the ending of the Brezhnev doctrine do?
Ended Russian control in Eastern Europe
What long-term impact did ending the Brezhnev Doctrine have on Russia?
Allowed them to voice their discontent and eventually split from the USSR
Give the 5 fundamental economic weaknesses of the Russian economy
- lack of incentives
- waste
- failure to modernise the economy
- the arms race
- centralisation
1970
Richest 10% of US people _x wealthier than the bottom 10%
Richest 10% of USSR people _x wealthier than the bottom 10%
1970
Richest 10% of US people 7x wealthier than the bottom 10%
Richest 10% of USSR people 3x wealthier than the bottom 10%
Define egalitarian
believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities
Why was there such a lack of incentives in Russia other than the lack of consumer goods?
The difference between rich and poor was so small
In 1986, Gosplan estimated that what percentage of machinery was never actually used?
12%
By the 1980s, how many tractors had been built and how many of these were not used?
400,000 built
20% not used
What was Gosplan?
The department that measured and rewarded based on production
US farms were how many times more productive than USSR farms?
6 times
Why did the USSR fail to modernise?
They lacked the funding and subsequently the modern technology
What did the lack of modern storage facilities cause in the USSR?
Much food went off through rotting
What other part of the USSR infrastructure was severely lacking, causing low productivity and high waste?
Transport system
- people late for work
- food went off in transport
In 1960, what % of workers were employed on farms?
25.4%
In 1960, what % of US workers were employed on farms?
4.6%
How did centralisation cause agricultural issues?
The government set the timetable for planting and harvesting so farmers could not use their expertise
What happened as a result of central planners setting schedules for the delivery of fertilizers?
They often arrived at the wrong time which ruined the whole harvest
Why did the arms race contribute to the fundamental economic weaknesses of Russia?
It starved other areas that needed funding
Between 1965 and 1985, the proportion of Soviet GDP spent on defence rose from __% to __%
12% to 17%
From what year onwards did Russia produce ever more expensive missiles?
1945 onwards
In what year was the Novosibirsk report?
1983
What did the Novosibirsk report draw attention to?
The crisis caused by state inefficiency and inflexibility
What was Gorbachov’s very first economic reform?
Discipline & Acceleration
What was the focus of Gorbachov’s ‘Discipline & Acceleration’ reform?
To stop alcoholism and improve health
