Examine whether Stalin had achieved his aim of making Russia a modern industrial country
by 1941.
“We are 50-100 years behind the modern nations, we must catch up in 10. Either we do it or
they catch us” – Stalin
Fear
Stalin needed full control of the Russian population to ensure they acted in the best
interests of the nation; he used show trials (public trials in which a judicial authority has
already determined the guilt of the defendant, and is forced to confess his/her traitorous
ideas towards the state. Stalin used the Kulaks as a reason to introduce The Great Purge; a
series of campaign of political repression and persecution in the Soviet Union.
Politicians such as Kirov; (Stalin’s Protégé), was murdered probably on Stalin’s orders. Stalin
used his death to order massive purges and imprison anyone who was suspected of
disloyalty.
The great terror had spread to ordinary people, anybody who looked though they had a will
of their own were sent to labour camps or killed. 20 million ordinary Russians were sent to
the Gulag.
Stalin’s use of terror helped him achieve industrialisation, and use fear as a way to keep
people working.
Collectivization and Industrialisation
Stalin´s vision of a “Gigantomania” (Big structures); which was accomplished, but at the
expense of harsh labour, poor working conditions and forced work.
Stalin used propaganda to publicise this, to motivate the people into following his vision.
Even though huge structures were created; there were many flaws and problems within
them; but Stalin did not care about the quality, he just wanted as many structures as
possible.
During industrialisation, Stalin was unable to feed his people, and used this as an incentive
to force them to work; if unable to meet targets they were not given the full portion of food
promised, which led to more famine, especially in those physically challenging conditions,
where food is an essential resource.
Kirov challenged Stalin during collectivisation, as he gained support within his party, and
disagreed with Stalin’s intention to collectivise, which led to his death.
This was a revolution from above; the industrial revolution was sparked from the leaders of
the nation, instead of the peasants.
by 1941.
“We are 50-100 years behind the modern nations, we must catch up in 10. Either we do it or
they catch us” – Stalin
Fear
Stalin needed full control of the Russian population to ensure they acted in the best
interests of the nation; he used show trials (public trials in which a judicial authority has
already determined the guilt of the defendant, and is forced to confess his/her traitorous
ideas towards the state. Stalin used the Kulaks as a reason to introduce The Great Purge; a
series of campaign of political repression and persecution in the Soviet Union.
Politicians such as Kirov; (Stalin’s Protégé), was murdered probably on Stalin’s orders. Stalin
used his death to order massive purges and imprison anyone who was suspected of
disloyalty.
The great terror had spread to ordinary people, anybody who looked though they had a will
of their own were sent to labour camps or killed. 20 million ordinary Russians were sent to
the Gulag.
Stalin’s use of terror helped him achieve industrialisation, and use fear as a way to keep
people working.
Collectivization and Industrialisation
Stalin´s vision of a “Gigantomania” (Big structures); which was accomplished, but at the
expense of harsh labour, poor working conditions and forced work.
Stalin used propaganda to publicise this, to motivate the people into following his vision.
Even though huge structures were created; there were many flaws and problems within
them; but Stalin did not care about the quality, he just wanted as many structures as
possible.
During industrialisation, Stalin was unable to feed his people, and used this as an incentive
to force them to work; if unable to meet targets they were not given the full portion of food
promised, which led to more famine, especially in those physically challenging conditions,
where food is an essential resource.
Kirov challenged Stalin during collectivisation, as he gained support within his party, and
disagreed with Stalin’s intention to collectivise, which led to his death.
This was a revolution from above; the industrial revolution was sparked from the leaders of
the nation, instead of the peasants.
