2. Collectivisation And Industrialisation Flashcards
(40 cards)
Ideological reasons for modernisation?
Stalin’s reforms in agriculture and industry replaced the communist critical free market with Central planning which reflected the Party’s ideological goals. Also many communists were concerned peasants preferred capitalism to communism and Stalin hoped his reforms would change this.
Economic reasons for modernisation?
Industrialisation was a key goal along with agricultural reform. The NEP had failed exceed pre-1914 levels and this had caused a grain procurement crisis. Agricultural reform was needed for food so the industrial workforce could grow.
How did the fear of war cause modernisation?
In the late 1920s Russian feared Germany were preparing for war and their industry far exceeded that of Russia, so to compete Russia needs a modern industry.
What was collectivisation?
It was the merging of small farms into large farms where resources were shared, leading to greater efficiency. It was brought into place to try and fix the grain procurement crisis, this also went with the persecution of the Kulaks who Stalin believed were hoarding grain.
Who were the Kulaks?
They were rich peasants.
What were the emergency measures put into place in 1928?
Rationing was introduced into cities and requisitioning was introduced.
What was Dekulakisation?
This happened in 1929 and compulsory collectivisation was introduced and Kulaks were rounded up and exiled by the Red army and the secret police.
Who were the Twenty-Five Thousanders?
In 1929 27’000 volunteers were sent to the countryside to assist with Dekulakisation.
How did the term ‘Dizzy with success’ come about?
Stalin halted the compulsory collectivisation because he believed the chaos in the countryside was being caused by party members being ‘dizzy with success’, so farmers returned to their own farms.
When was collectivisation restarted at a slower pace?
1931.
When were all games in Russia collectivised?
1941.
How successful was collectivisation in general?
It was a disaster.
What 4 factors led to the outbreak of famine in 1932?
- Dekulakisation removed the most successful peasants from farms
- Forced collectivisation led to the destruction of grain and livestock due to angry peasants in protest
- Unrealistic targets were set and farms that failed to meet their targets had all of their grain confiscated
- Less grain was produced but more was exported to raise money for industrialisation
What were the effects of collectivisation on rural areas?
- Dekulakisation led to the exile of 10 million peasants
- The harvest of 1933 was 10 million tonnes less than that of 1926
- By 1932 machine tractor stations had supplied 75’000 tractors which made up for the decline of horses
What were the effects of collectivisation on urban areas?
- The standard of living of the working class fell sharply, bread was rationed and protein consumption had fallen by 66% by 1932
- Famine in the country led to urbanisation and the population of some duties trebled between 1930 and 1940
How far did Stalin say Russia was behind the west economically in 1928?
100 years, so he aimed to use Five-Year Plans to ensure Russia had caught up within 15 years.
What was the nature of the first five year plan?
This planned economy was administered by Gosplan (responsible for Russia’s economy at the time) and the plan focused heavily on heavy industry (coal, oil, iron and steel). This was because the raw materials produced were needed for future economic growth and for rearmament.
What were the successes in production of the first FYP?
Russia’s economy grew 14% each year which exceeded that of the NEP.
What were the successes in social mobility of the first FYP?
Urban population trebled in the 1930s, promotions were available to experienced workers, also the government invested in technical education, and workers were courage to attend courses at Russian universities.
What were the failures in quantity and quality of the first FYP?
Production was increased by the quality of what was produced was poor and the focus was on quantity, this pressured managers to meet targets so this led to lying about the extent of production.
What were the failures in living standard of the first FYP?
Stalin introduced a seven day working week and long hours, consumer goods were extremely scarce and housing was often tents or huts. Stalin also made it illegal to be late for work or strike.
How did the black market emerge?
The scarcity of consumer goods and the attempt to abolish the free market by Stalin led to the development of the black market which sold vodka, cigarettes, food and footwear at extortionate prices.
Why was there slave labour during the first FYP?
Peasants who were arrested as a result of Dekulakisation were sent to labour camps and forced to work on industrial projects.
What was the aim of the second FYP?
It was an attempt to develop the Russian economy in a more rounded way. It focused more on electrification, transport, new industries, labour productivity and consumer goods.
