Soviet Union (1924–1941) Historiography

Historian views on the cost of collectivisation

Orlando Figes – Collectivisation was a “war on the peasantry,” devastating rural life.

Historian view on the cost of industrialisation

Moshe Lewin – Industrialisation transformed USSR into a modern state but at immense human cost.

Historian view on Stalin’s paranoia

Robert Service – Stalin was ruthless but pragmatic; purges driven by paranoia and need for control.

Historian view on Stalin’s revolution from above

Sheila Fitzpatrick – Stalin’s rise owed to control of party machinery; policies aimed at creating a “revolution from above.”

Historian view on Stalin’s strategy

Isaac Deutscher – Stalin’s success was contingent: he triumphed through alliances and tactical opportunism, not inevitability.