KT4 — Economic and Social Changes, 1924–41

"What was collectivisation?

Stalin's policy of merging small peasant farms into large, state-run collective farms (kolkhozes) where peasants worked together and shared machinery."

"Why did Stalin introduce collectivisation?

To raise grain production to feed the cities and fund industrialisation, modernise farming, and extend communist control over the countryside."

"What was the attack on the kulaks?

Wealthier peasants (kulaks) were branded class enemies; millions were stripped of their land and deported or killed in the process of 'dekulakisation'."

"What was the famine in Ukraine?

Resistance to collectivisation and ruthless grain seizures caused a devastating famine in 1932-33 in which millions of peasants starved to death."

"What were the successes and failures of collectivisation?

Success: the state gained control of grain and farming was mechanised. Failure: output fell sharply at first, millions died, and peasants slaughtered livestock in protest."

"Why did Stalin want rapid industrialisation?

To modernise the USSR and catch up with the West, build military strength against possible invasion, and prove that communism worked."

"What were the Five-Year Plans?

State plans setting huge production targets for industry; the first began in 1928 and focused on heavy industry - coal, steel, oil and electricity."

"What was Gosplan?

The state planning agency that set the targets and organised the Five-Year Plans."

"What was the Stakhanovite Movement?

Named after Alexei Stakhanov, who supposedly mined a huge amount of coal in one shift; workers were urged to copy him and beat targets, and it was used as propaganda."

"What were the successes and failures of industrialisation?

Success: massive growth in heavy industry and new industrial cities (e.g. Magnitogorsk), which helped the USSR survive WWII. Failure: poor-quality goods, few consumer goods, and harsh, dangerous working conditions."

"What were working conditions like in Stalin's USSR?

Long hours, strict discipline and harsh punishments for lateness or mistakes, and dangerous workplaces - but there was full employment."

"What were living conditions like in Soviet towns?

Overcrowded housing and shortages of consumer goods, but improvements in education, healthcare and benefits such as free childcare for working women."

"How did experiences differ between social groups?

Skilled workers, party members and Stakhanovites gained privileges and better housing, while ordinary workers and peasants suffered the most."

"How did the lives of women change under Stalin?

Millions entered the workforce, including professions like medicine, and free childcare was provided - but family policy became more conservative, restricting divorce and abortion."

"What was the political position of women under Stalin?

Women gained jobs and education but had little real political power, with very few reaching the top of the Communist Party."

"How were ethnic minorities treated under Stalin?

Russian language and culture were promoted through 'Russification'; minority groups faced persecution and some were deported, and resistance was crushed."

"EXAM SKILL: How would you answer 'Explain why Stalin introduced collectivisation' (12 marks)?

Three reasons, each explained: (1) to produce more grain to feed cities and fund industry, (2) to modernise backward farming, (3) to extend communist control over the peasants and destroy the kulaks."