Notes
- A series of plans designed to increase industry and output
- Based on quota system
- Economic planning was now forced
- Command Economy - set targets for production
- First was 1928-1933 agricultural changes (collectivization)
- Main focus on heavy industry
- Second was 1933-1937
- Too severe and changed in 1934
- Many party officials revolted against this and nominated a successor to Stalin
- Stalin had him shot (Beginning of the Great Purges)
Summary
Stalin introduced 5 year plans which was a horrible struggle. It was a series of plans designed to increase industry and output based on the quota system. Command Economy set unrealistic targets for production. Those who could not produce what was asked was then killed, or moved to Gulags.
Quotes
"Stalin and his party, as the outcome of their policy, find themselves faced with the breakdown of the five-year plan system and frustration of the aims it was expected to achieve." - Financial Times newspaper
Subjunctive Questions
Why did Stalin put such unrealistic targets for production if he knew they were unreal?