Agriculture And Industry

Question 1

What was the economic state of Russia immediately following World War I, which influenced Lenin’s initial policies?

Answer 1

he economy was devastated, requiring complete state control for rejuvenation.

Question 2

What was the significance of Lenin’s November 1917 declaration, “comrade workers, remember that you yourselves are administrating the state,” in the context of workers’ independence?

Answer 2

It was a motivational strategy, but in reality, it limited workers’ independence as the state needed to control the economy.

Question 3

Why did the Bolsheviks, despite their ideology, face a challenge in placing factories and industries directly into the hands of workers?

Answer 3

The bourgeoisie had essential expertise in management and technical skills that were desperately needed.

Question 4

How did peasants often act regarding their land and control after the 1917 revolution, contrary to Bolshevik desires?

Answer 4

Peasants often acted on their own initiative and without Bolshevik involvement, indicating they might not give up control easily.

Question 5

What was the immediate effect of the “Land Decree of October 1917” on land ownership?

Answer 5

It abolished private ownership of land, placing it “in the hands of the people,” a vague statement that pleased the peasantry.

Question 6

What powers did the “Decree of Workers’ Control of November 1917” grant to industrial workers? What powers did the “Decree of Workers’ Control of November 1917” grant to industrial workers?

Answer 6

It placed control of the factories directly into their hands.

Question 7

What was one immediate and significant negative economic consequence of workers’ councils exercising their new powers under the Decree of Workers’ Control?

Answer 7

Workers’ councils voted to give themselves huge pay rises, resulting in inflation

Question 8

: Besides pay rises, what other detrimental actions did workers take in factories after the Decree of Workers’ Control?

Answer 8

Managers were often dismissed, sometimes violently.
Industrial/technical expertise was removed by workers seeking revenge.

Question 9

What body was established in December 1917 to centralise and support the economy?

Answer 9

Vesenkha (Supreme Council of the National Economy).

Question 10

What was the primary practical reason for the introduction of War Communism?

Answer 10

To ensure the Red Army was supplied with enough food and resources to be victorious in the Civil War.

Question 11

From an ideological perspective, what was the long-term aim of the measures implemented under War Communism?

Answer 11

To abolish private enterprise and provide an opportunity to build a new society on Marxist lines.

Question 12

In what way was War Communism a “response to the reality of economic collapse”?

Answer 12

The economy was in a near state of collapse, and drastic measures were needed to fight and win the Civil War.

Question 13

How was War Communism a “reaction to early Bolshevik excesses”?

Answer 13

It was, in some respects, a response to the problems that resulted from the rush of early Bolshevik decrees, such as inflation and loss of expertise.

Question 14

What was the key feature of War Communism regarding the nationalization of industry?

Answer 14

All industry was nationalized without compensation, with only workplaces employing fewer than ten workers exempt.

Question 15

How did War Communism enforce discipline on workers, replacing previous worker control?

Answer 15

Workers’ councils were replaced by single management.
Harsh military-style discipline was imposed.

Question 16

What extreme penalty could striking workers face under War Communism?

Answer 16

The death penalty.

Question 17

What was the policy on private trading under War Communism?

Answer 17

Private trading was banned.
All trade was controlled by the state.

Question 18

Despite its success in supplying the Red Army, what was the ultimate economic outcome of War Communism by 1921?

Answer 18

It left the economy in a state of collapse.
-Industrial Output Plummeted
By 1921, industrial output was only 20% of pre-World War I levels.

For example, coal production dropped from 29 million tons in 1913 to 9 million tons in 1921.

Question 19

What were the common social problems in Russia by 1921 as a result of War Communism?

Answer 19

Disease and starvation were common

Question 20

What was the overall political situation of the Bolsheviks by 1921 that led to the introduction of the NEP?

Answer 20

There was a worrying deterioration in their political position, indicating widespread discontent.

Question 21

By how much had the production of heavy industry fallen by the end of War Communism, compared to 1913 figures?

Answer 21

It had fallen to 20% of the 1913 figure.

Question 22

What percentage of 1913 food production was being achieved by 1921, and what was the direct result?

Answer 22

Only 48% of the 1913 figure.
Widespread famine was the direct result.

Question 23

How many people are estimated to have died from famine and related diseases (like typhus and smallpox) during this period?

Answer 23

Over 20 million.

Question 24

What was one of the reasons for the unpopularity of War Communism related to social hierarchy and rationing?

Answer 24

The system of rationing was disliked, with the bourgeoisie receiving very little, while the Red Army and industrial proletariat received the most.

Question 25

What was the immediate positive economic impact of the NEP in its first three years

Answer 25

Industrial output rose rapidly. Factories went back into production.

Question 26

What negative social consequence emerged under the NEP, especially regarding trade?

Answer 26

Corruption through the black market flourished.

Question 27

: Besides corruption, what other social ills became widespread in cities under the NEP?

Answer 27

Prostitution was widespread. Gangs of children roamed the cities, stealing and selling goods.

Question 28

What period saw the transformation of the Soviet economy through the implementation of the Five-Year Plans and collectivization?

Answer 28

1928-1941.

Question 29

Who were the "Nepmen" and why were they "detested" by Stalin and the party?

Answer 29

They were private traders and entrepreneurs who benefited from the NEP. They were seen as "class enemies" or capitalists.

Question 30

What was the original justification for the First Five-Year Plan's heavy focus on heavy industry?

Answer 30

The need to build up an industrial infrastructure of factories.

Question 31

Provide an example of the rapid population growth in new industrial centers during the First Five-Year Plan.

Answer 31

Magnitogorsk grew from 25 people in 1929 to 250,000 three years later.

Question 32

What was the skill level of the workforce in Moscow by 1933, reflecting the challenges of rapid industrialization?

Answer 32

Only 17 percent of the workforce in Moscow was skilled.

Question 33

How did the government try to motivate workers beyond "revolutionary attitudes" during the Five-Year Plans?

Answer 33

Through "shock brigades" (made up of the best workers). Offering bigger rations as rewards for model workers.

Question 34

What was the primary function of Machine Tractor Stations (MTS) during collectivization?

Answer 34

To provide increased mechanization and advice on farming techniques to the collective farms.

Question 35

How did "Twenty-Five Thousanders" contribute to the collectivization process?

Answer 35

They were sent from cities to forcibly organize collectives in villages.

Question 36

What percentage of peasant households had been collectivized by 1932, and by 1937?

Answer 36

62 percent by 1932. 93 percent by 1937.

Question 37

What was the negative economic consequence of the mass slaughtering of animals by Kulaks during collectivization?

Answer 37

The number of cattle halved between 1928 and 1933, leading to shortages of meat and milk, with full recovery not until 1953.

Question 38

What was the negative economic consequence of the mass slaughtering of animals by Kulaks during collectivization?

Answer 38

Food production, declining from 73.3 million tonnes in 1928 to 67.6 million tonnes in 1934

Question 39

How did the Soviet government exacerbate the famine conditions during collectivisation?

Answer 39

They seized food for export to gain foreign exchange, leaving the rural population to starve.

Question 40

What extreme acts of desperation were reported among peasants during the famine of 1932-33?

Answer 40

Some peasants resorted to eating their own children.

Question 41

What is the estimated number of famine-related deaths in 1933 alone, based on recent research of Soviet data?

Answer 41

Four million deaths.

Question 42

How did inadequate planning contribute to the failures of collectivisation?

Answer 42

Party officials in Moscow had little understanding of local conditions, leading to wasted resources. The push to collectivize wasn't coordinated with the manufacture of agricultural machinery

Question 43

What was Stalin's aim regarding the "kulaks" through collectivization?

Answer 43

His aim was to "liquidate" the kulaks as a class.

Question 44

: What is the range of historical estimates for the total number of deaths associated with collectivization?

Answer 44

From five to ten million.

Question 45

What impact did the purges of 1937 have on the Soviet economy and its planning?

Answer 45

Removing many managers and technical experts during the purges led to a slowdown of the economy.

Question 46

How did the focus on heavy industry negatively affect ordinary Soviet citizens' daily lives?

Answer 46

It led to a shortage of consumer goods. A virtual ignoring of the housing industry.

Question 47

How did the collectivization of agriculture worsen the shortage of consumer goods?

Answer 47

It destroyed a lot of cottage industry, which previously provided many consumer goods.

Question 48

Beyond building infrastructure, what was the stated political aim of the Five-Year Plans regarding the "Nepmen"?

Answer 48

The move to large-scale nationalization and state control would get rid of the detested Nepmen, who were seen as class enemies and capitalists.

Question 49

What type of industries were neglected during the First Five-Year Plan?

Answer 49

Consumer industries, such as textiles

Question 50

Describe the typical housing conditions for workers building new industrial centers like Magnitogorsk.

Answer 50

Workers were housed in tents and temporary huts.

Question 51

What significant building project exemplified the use of slave labor and the disregard for human cost during the Five-Year Plans?

Answer 51

The White Sea Canal Project.

Question 52

What was the fatal flaw in the construction of the White Sea Canal, driven by cost reduction and speed?

Answer 52

Its depth was reduced from 22 to 12 feet, rendering it useless for navigation

Question 53

How did the Second Five-Year Plan aim to improve upon the First Five-Year Plan in terms of planning?

Answer 53

It drew on lessons learned from the chaotic planning of the first plan and made more use of technical expertise.

Question 54

Why were new industrial centers increasingly built in "remoter areas" like Kazakhstan during the later Five-Year Plans?

Answer 54

Industry would be safer should there be an attack from the West.

Question 55

Despite overall growth, what specific consumer industry actually declined during the First Five-Year Plan?

Answer 55

Production of textiles.

Question 56

What was the coal production in 1927 and how did it change by 1937?

Answer 56

1927: 35.4 million tonnes 1937: 138 million tonnes

Question 57

What percentage of peasant households had been collectivised by 1932 and 1937?

Answer 57

1932: 62% 1937: 93%

Question 58

What were the consequences of slaughtering livestock during collectivisation (1928–33)?

Answer 58

The number of cattle halved and this loss was not fully recovered until 1953.

Question 59

How many prisoners died during the White Sea Canal project in the winter of 1931–32?

Answer 59

10,000 prisoners died during the construction in that w

Question 60

How many tractors per month was the Stalingrad tractor factory supposed to produce in 1930, and how many did it actually produce?

Answer 60

Supposed to produce: 500 tractors/month Actually produced: 9 tractors, most of which broke down within 3 days

Question 61

2 first five year plan successes

Answer 61

-Concentrated on rapid growth of heavy industry (coal, steel, iron). Coal production significantly increased (from 35.4 million tonnes in 1927 to 138 million tonnes in 1937, though the exact portion attributable solely to the First Plan isn't specified, the overall trend points to its beginnings here). -Large industrial centers like Magnitogorsk and Gorki were built, becoming large cities (Magnitogorsk grew from 25 people in 1929 to 250,000 three years later) -

Question 62

Key failures of the first five year plan

Answer 62

-Work was incredibly hard, and workers were housed in tents/temporary huts. By 1933, only 17 percent of the workforce in Moscow was skilled, indicating a lack of trained labor. -Reliance on "shock brigades" and slave labor (e.g., White Sea Canal project, which employed 180,000 prisoners in 1932). High human cost: 10,000 prisoners died on the White Sea Canal project during winter 1931-32. -Quality was sacrificed for speed/targets (e.g., White Sea Canal depth reduced from 22 to 12 feet, making it useless). Unrealistic targets led to pressure and poor quality (e.g., Stalingrad tractor factory produced only 9 tractors in 1930 instead of 500, most breaking down within 3 days).

Question 63

Success of second and third five year plan

Answer 63

-Made more use of technical expertise. -coal production in 1927 was 35.4 million tonnes, in 1937 it achieved 138 million tonnes -Some improvement in consumer goods production, with significant increases in footwear production and food processing. These developments started to impact living standards by the late 1930s. -Became heavily focused on the defense industry in light of growing international tension (particularly Hitler). -New industrial centers were built in Moscow, Leningrad, and remoter, less developed parts of the country (e.g., Kazakhstan) for safety from western attack. -Production in machinery greatly overfulfilled the plans. Rapid growth in the engineering industry and transportation

Question 64

Failures of second and third five year plan

Answer 64

-Less success in the production of metal despite general industrial growth. The overall consumer industries still suffered, as the focus remained on heavy industry. -The state's rigid adoption of a command economy led to failures because Moscow-based planners had little understanding of local conditions in far-flung parts of the Soviet Union. This poor planning resulted in resources being wasted because they were inappropriate for local needs. -Removing many managers and technical experts during the purges in 1937 led to a slowdown of the economy.

Question 65

When was collectivisation introduced

Answer 65

-By 1928-economic and political forces were pushing stalin towards abandoning the NEP and forcing peasants into the collectivisation of farming

Question 66

Reasons for collectivisation

Answer 66

-Agriculture was furthermore was very inefficient in comparison with the rest of Europe ,stalin already said that he was going to make good distance in 10 years --Stalin had also become convinced the state of agriculture was holding back industrial progress which was a focus in 1928 --The use of machinery would enable food production to be increased and would also reduce the labour requirements of agriculture production.

Question 67

Results of collectivisation

Answer 67

The removal of kulaks was damaging as they were often the most productive farmers. It was the kulaks many relied on upon for the hire of tools The slaughtering of animals by Kulaks had a serious effect on the numbers of livestock 1928-33- number of cattle halved and this loss was not fully recovered until 1953. The consequence of this collapse was a shortage of meat and milk- Rural population starved, the government seized food for export to gain foreign exchange Wide spread famine occurred in 1922-33, particularly affecting the Ukraine Unable to move from the collective, some peasants resorted to eating their own children. Recent research carried out on newly available soviet data puts the number famine related deaths at four million deaths in 1933 alone -