Soviet Union vs. Marxism Marx did not predict: –the transition to Communism led by a revolutionary party –party control of society and the state Major change from Marxist theory –Leadership by centralized Communist Party, not the proletariat

Stalin vs. Marxism Under Stalin oOwnership of the means of the production held by the state oCommand Economy – government officials made all basic economic decisions oUse of terror and murder to establish and maintain control

Goals of Five Year Plans 1.Build heavy industry 2.Improve transportation 3.Increase farm output

Industrial Production Emphasis on development of major industries (oil, coal, steel, electricity) Lack of attention to production of consumer goods (housing, clothing, furniture) Persistent shortages Use of forced labor to meet industrial targets Steel workers

Collectivization of Agriculture Undertaken by force & resisters imprisoned or murdered Government seized 25 million privately owned farms Kulaks – wealthier farmers resisted by sabotaging their own property Protest against the kulaks

Collective Farm oOwned and operated by members oProducts delivered to the state for fixed prices oFamilies permitted to cultivate their own crops on small plots of land

Results of Five Year Plan 1.Progress in heavy industry 2.Standard of living was low 3.Consumer goods were limited and poorly made 4.Agricultural collectives were disastrous and food production declined