RR 4.4 How ready was the USSR for war with Nazi Germany in 1941?

How had the Five Year Plans changed the USSR by 1941?

They transformed the USSR into a highly industrialised and urbanised nation, especially in heavy industry.

How did Soviet industrial production compare to other countries in 1941?

The USSR had overtaken Britain in iron and steel production and was not far behind Germany.

Why was Stalin proud of the Five Year Plans?

They strengthened heavy industry and rearmament, laying foundations to fight the Second World War.

How did rearmament spending change between 1938 and 1941?

It rose from 27.5 billion roubles to 70.9 billion roubles.

What military equipment was the USSR producing monthly by 1941?

About 230 tanks, 700 military aircraft, and over 100,000 rifles per month.

How did the Third Five Year Plan support war readiness?

Coal and oil production increased significantly, and nine aircraft factories were built in 1939.

What was uneven about Soviet economic development by 1941?

Heavy industry expanded rapidly, but consumer production declined.

How did consumer goods compare to the NEP period?

Consumer goods were rarer and of poorer quality than under the NEP.

What problems were caused by bureaucracy in the Soviet economy?

Targets mattered more than quality, local organisation was chaotic, and economic schemes were poorly implemented.

Why was the Soviet economy not fully ready for war in 1941?

It was not geared for imminent war, leading to shortages, poor quality equipment, and supply problems once war began.

How did Stalin increase control over the countryside in the 1930s?

Party officials supervised kolkhozes, and secret police were stationed at Motor Tractor Stations.

How were workers controlled in cities?

Through labour books, internal passports, ration cards, housing control, and threats of prison.

How did society differ from original socialist ideals?

Instead of a classless society, a strict hierarchy emerged dominated by a privileged Party elite.

How did industrialisation affect workers and peasants?

Living standards fell due to low rations, poor housing, and constant pressure.

How did the role of the state change under Stalin?

Rather than withering away, the state became stronger, more extensive, and more brutal.

What ideological motive drove Stalin’s industrialisation?

It was framed as class warfare, prioritising ideology as much as national strength.

How did Stalin deliberately divide society?

By encouraging groups like the Komsomol to attack “class enemies” and promote loyalty to the regime.

Overall, how ready was the USSR for war in 1941?

Strong in industrial output and rearmament, but weakened by poor organisation, supply issues, low morale, and uneven economic development.