key term - Stakhanovite Movement

Definition

The Stakhanovite Movement was a campaign initiated in the Soviet Union during the late 1920s and 1930s that encouraged workers to exceed production targets, named after miner Alexei Stakhanov, who famously surpassed his coal extraction quota. This movement aimed to boost industrial output and promote socialist competition, reflecting the broader goals of collectivization and industrialization within the USSR.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Stakhanovite Movement emerged as part of a larger effort to increase productivity in Soviet industries during the first Five-Year Plan (1928-1932).
2. Workers who exceeded their quotas became celebrated figures, often receiving awards and public recognition, which motivated others to follow suit.
3. The movement had a significant impact on morale among workers, fostering a sense of competition and pride in their contributions to the Soviet economy.
4. While the movement emphasized individual achievement, it was ultimately rooted in collective goals, as exceeding quotas was seen as contributing to the success of socialism.
5. Critics noted that the movement sometimes led to unrealistic expectations for workers, resulting in stress and unhealthy work conditions as they strived to meet higher demands.

Review Questions

• How did the Stakhanovite Movement reflect the broader goals of industrialization in the Soviet Union?
  • The Stakhanovite Movement directly aligned with the Soviet Union's goals of rapid industrialization by promoting a culture of exceeding production targets. By highlighting individual achievements within the framework of collective efforts, it encouraged workers to push beyond their limits and contribute to the state's ambitions. The success stories of Stakhanovites served as a motivational tool for others, demonstrating that increased productivity was both achievable and beneficial for the socialist cause.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Stakhanovite Movement on worker morale and productivity in Soviet industries.
  • The Stakhanovite Movement had mixed consequences for worker morale and productivity. On one hand, it inspired many workers to take pride in their work and strive for excellence, leading to increased output. However, it also created pressure to meet escalating quotas, which could lead to burnout and adverse working conditions. The movement showcased both the potential for high productivity through motivation but also highlighted the risks of imposing unrealistic expectations on workers.
• Analyze how the Stakhanovite Movement contributed to the shaping of Soviet identity during the early 20th century.
  • The Stakhanovite Movement played a crucial role in shaping Soviet identity by promoting a narrative that celebrated hard work, dedication, and individual achievement within a collectivist framework. It reinforced the idea that each worker could contribute significantly to the success of socialism, creating heroes out of those who excelled in their duties. This cultural shift helped solidify an identity centered around labor as a source of pride and national progress, influencing various aspects of Soviet life, from art and literature to education and propaganda.

Related terms

Five-Year Plans:

Centralized economic plans initiated by the Soviet government aimed at rapidly industrializing the nation and increasing agricultural production through collectivization.

Collectivization:

The policy of consolidating individual landholdings and labor into collective farms, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and controlling rural areas.

Socialist Realism: An artistic movement that aimed to promote the ideals of socialism by portraying the struggles and achievements of the working class, often glorifying labor and productivity.