Transformation of the Russian economy by 1941 Flashcards
What effect had Stalin’s five year plans had on the USSR by 1941?
They had transformed Russia into a highly industrialised and urbanised nation, while all Russian farms had been collectivised and the free market bought to an end Although Soviet claim were often exaggerated, there is not doubt that a remarkable transformation had taken place.
What proportion of the population lived in towns in 1926?
17%
What proportion of the population lived in towns by 1939?
33%
Which country did the USSR over take in iron and steel production in 1940?
Britain, not far behind Germany either
How many aircraft factories were constructed in 1939?
9
How much did the USSR’s spending on rearmament increase by between 1938 and 1941?
Rose from 27.5 billion roubles to 70.9 billion roubles
How many tanks were the Soviet Union producing each month right before the war?
230
How many military aircraft were the Soviet Union producing each month right before the war?
700
How many rifles were the Soviet Union producing each month right before the war?
100,000+
1933 Defence budget = ?
3.4% of total budget
1937 Defence budget = ?
16.5% of total budget
1940 Defence budget = ?
32.6% of total budget
How was economic development ‘uneven’?
Heavy industry had grown massively by 1941, but, after a brief rise under the second Five Year Plan, consumer production was cut back and consumer goods were scarcer than they had ever been under the NEP.
The quality of goods were poor, even though labour productivity had increased as bureaucrats were set on figures and targets at the expense of all else.
How did the bureaucracy affect the success of the economy?
-The bureaucracy hindered the implementation of economic schemes
-Whilst massive investment permitted growth under the FYPs , the organisation at local level was, at times, chaotic
Was the USSR geared for imminent war in 1941?
No
Why was the USSR not geared for imminent war in 1941?
The economy was not ready and in 1941, when war broke out, deficiencies in both the quality and quantity of equipment and problems of supply were soon apparent.
USSR production of pig iron in 1940?
14.9 million tonnes
USSR production of Steel in 1940?
18.4 million tonnes
