Economy Flashcards
(46 cards)
What event led to a focus on modernization and the emancipation of the serfs in Russia?
The inherently humiliating failure in the Crimean war
The failure highlighted the need for a mobilized labor force for innovation.
What was the impact of serf emancipation on heavy industry in Russia?
Did not lead to significant developments; industrial growth remained slow
Peasants were bound by temporary obligations and redemption payments.
Under whose reign was there a direct push towards industrialization in Russia?
Alexander III
Influenced by Vyshnagradsky and Witte.
What key sectors did Alexander III encourage foreign investment in?
Mining, oil, and metallurgy
Investors included France and Germany.
What stimulated production in heavy industry during Nicholas II’s reign?
Humiliating defeat in the RJW
Highlighted Russia’s underdevelopment and economic competition.
By what percentage did industrial output increase from 1909-1913?
7% per year
GNP increased by 3.5% per year during this time.
What was the effect of WW1 on coal production in Russia?
Coal production fell from 29 million tonnes in 1913 to 8.9 million tonnes by 1921
Highlighted the extreme destabilization of the economy.
What economic strategy did Lenin implement during the civil war?
War communism
Included grain requisitioning and nationalization of key industries.
What was the aim of state capitalism introduced by Lenin?
To take complete control over the economy until it could be delivered to the proletariat
Included the nationalization of enterprises employing more than 10 workers.
By 1920, how many nationalized economic entities were there in Russia?
More than 30,000
The Supreme Economic Council struggled to manage them.
What was a key feature of war communism?
Nationalization of larger enterprises and state monopoly of markets
Included heavy industries like railways and banks.
What economic policy replaced war communism under Lenin?
NEP (New Economic Policy)
Allowed some degree of private enterprise while maintaining state control.
What was the primary goal of Stalin’s 5-year plans?
Transform the USSR into a self-sufficient industrial power
Aimed to compete with capitalist nations.
Which Five-Year Plan focused on heavy industry development due to fears of WWII?
3rd Five-Year Plan (1938-1941)
Ended due to the war.
What was a significant consequence of Stalin’s prioritization of heavy industry?
Increasing militarization of the economy and neglect of consumer industries
Led to shortages of basic goods.
What was Khrushchev’s approach to the economy compared to Stalin’s?
Shifted focus from heavy industry to consumerism and light industry
Aimed for decentralization and increased living standards.
What was one of the major transportation projects initiated under Alexander II?
Expansion of the railway network
Included spending 2 billion roubles to construct over 20,000 km of track.
What was the significance of the trans-Siberian railway during Nicholas II’s reign?
Facilitated trade and increased access to Western Siberia
Provided a huge industrial stimulus.
What did Lenin’s transportation policies aim to achieve during the civil war?
Efficient transportation and mobilization of troops
Key routes were often sabotaged by opposing forces.
What was a major focus of Stalin’s investment in transportation infrastructure?
Railways to support rapid industrialization
Enabled the shift from agrarian to industrial state.
What was one of the economic changes Khrushchev implemented in response to the Cold War?
Expansion of civil aviation and air transport
Aimed to improve internal mobility and state communication.
What was the impact of serfdom on Russia’s agrarian economy under Alexander II?
Facilitated an outdated economic structure dependent on serf labor
Led to the need for emancipation reforms.
What did the agricultural reforms under Stolypin aim to achieve?
Transform peasants into independent, prosperous farmers
Resulted in increased grain production but limited success.
What did war communism involve that affected peasant production?
Grain requisitioning without compensation
Led to disincentives for surplus production.
