Five Year Plans

Definition

Five Year Plans were state-directed economic programs initiated by the Soviet Union starting in 1928, aimed at rapidly transforming the country from an agrarian society into an industrial powerhouse. These plans involved setting ambitious production goals for industries and agriculture, significantly reshaping the Soviet economy and society. Their impact extended to various historical contexts, influencing totalitarian regimes, military strategies during global conflicts, and the emergence of superpowers in the post-war world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first Five Year Plan launched in 1928 focused on heavy industry, aiming to increase output in coal, steel, and machinery production.
2. While the plans led to significant industrial growth, they also caused widespread famine and suffering due to harsh agricultural policies like collectivization.
3. The plans were characterized by unrealistic targets that often resulted in exaggerated reporting of production successes by local officials.
4. The Second Five Year Plan (1933-1937) emphasized both industrial and military production, playing a crucial role in preparing the Soviet Union for World War II.
5. Overall, Five Year Plans exemplified the extreme measures totalitarian regimes were willing to employ to achieve rapid economic development and control over society.

Review Questions

• How did the Five Year Plans reflect the principles of totalitarianism in the Soviet Union?
  • The Five Year Plans illustrated totalitarianism by showcasing how the state exerted control over every aspect of economic life. The government set ambitious production goals that required compliance from all sectors, while individuals had little to no say in economic decisions. This central planning was characteristic of a totalitarian regime where the state prioritized its goals over personal freedom and agency.
• In what ways did the First and Second Five Year Plans influence the Soviet Union's readiness for World War II?
  • The First and Second Five Year Plans significantly enhanced the Soviet Union's industrial capabilities, which were crucial for military production during World War II. By prioritizing heavy industry and military outputs, these plans laid the groundwork for a robust war economy. As a result, when conflict erupted, the USSR had developed substantial resources and infrastructure to support its military efforts against Nazi Germany.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Five Year Plans on Soviet society and its economy in the decades that followed.
  • The long-term consequences of the Five Year Plans on Soviet society and economy were profound. While they succeeded in transforming the USSR into a major industrial power, they also resulted in significant social upheaval, including widespread famine and suffering due to collectivization. Moreover, while rapid industrialization bolstered military strength, it created systemic inefficiencies and reliance on state control that persisted throughout the communist regime, impacting economic policies well into the late 20th century as the nation struggled with stagnation.

Related terms

Collectivization:

The forced consolidation of individual peasant farms into collective farms in the Soviet Union, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and controlling the rural population.

Stakhanovism: A movement in the Soviet Union promoting increased worker productivity, named after Alexey Stakhanov, who became a symbol of exceptional labor achievement during the Five Year Plans.

Totalitarianism:

A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life, exemplified by regimes like Stalin's Soviet Union.