Education

What were goals of Soviet education?

Reduce illiteracy; support industrialisation; develop individuals

What was literacy rate in 1914?

32%

Who controlled education policy early on?

Lunacharsky and Krupskaya

What changes occurred in Civil War education?

Unified labour schools; banned religion; free education; compulsory schooling

Give two limitations of NEP education.

Lack of funds; poor teacher training; fees reintroduced

How did literacy improve in 1920s?

Rose to 94% by 1939

Give two literacy campaign measures.

Decree on Illiteracy 1919; Red Army education

Give two features of Stalin’s literacy campaign.

Targets 1930; Komsomol volunteers

How successful was Stalin’s literacy drive?

94% literacy by 1939; 95% primary attendance

What education changes occurred early 1930s?

Abolished polytechnic; stricter discipline; patriotic curriculum; exams

How did secondary and higher education expand under Stalin?

Massive growth in schools and universities; red specialists trained

How successful was education by 1953?

Universal primary; 20% completed secondary

What were Labour Reserve Schools?

Industrial training schools from 1940

How did Khrushchev expand education?

Abolished fees; expanded schools; polytechnic reforms

What was the 1959 Education Law?

Compulsory to 15; vocational focus; politics teaching

How successful were Khrushchev’s reforms?

Unpopular; poorly implemented; shortages remained

What reforms did Brezhnev introduce?

Reversed polytechnic emphasis; 1970 School Statute; 1973 Education Law

Give evidence universities expanded under K & B.

Students rose to 5m by 1980; new science courses

How did Komsomol develop after 1953?

Virgin Lands volunteers; later stricter supervision