Khrushchev

Question 1

What was decentrilisation?

Answer 1

Switch from heavy industry to consumer goods. Kitchen debate 1959 exhibition in Moscow would fuel Khrushchev catch up to western consuerism.

Question 2

What was the 7 year light production plan?

Answer 2

Optimistic plan which aimed for USSR to overtake the USA by 1970 and have communism ready by 1980. Increases in consumer goods by 60%

Question 3

What incentives were introduced under Khrushchev for peasants?

Answer 3

Price paid for procurements of grain and other agricultural goods were raised. Taxes were reduced. Quoats on peasant private land were cut. Increase use of farming machinary.

Question 4

What was the virgin land scheme?

Answer 4

Khrushchev believed the way to increase production was to cultivate land in Western Siberya and Kazkhstan, which had not previously been put through the plow.

Question 5

Was virgin land scheme a success?

Answer 5

First two years were successful, 1954 produced 85 million tonnes, 1955 produced 125 million tonnes.

However, climate conditions had not been taken into account - land was worked intensly without rotation of any other crops. Caused land erosion and land became fertile. Had to import grain from Canada and USA in 1963.

Question 6

How did Khrushchev improve transport?

Answer 6

Had train lines going to the virgin land regions for quick export of grain. Increase investment in aerotravel.