Chapter 16 16-4

JOSEPH STALIN TRANSFORMS THE USSR After V.I. Lenin died in 1924, Joseph Stalin took control of the Soviet Union His goals included both agricultural and industrial growth Stalin hoped to transform the USSR from a backward rural nation to a major industrial power Stalin (right), shown here with Lenin, ruled Russia with an iron fist for nearly 30 years

TOTALITARIAN STATE By 1939, Stalin firmly established a totalitarian government in the USSR Stalin took over the Soviet Union’s economy. The government controlled all businesses and distributed all resources. Stalin developed a Command Economy in which the gov’t made all basic economic decisions. In totalitarian states citizens are expected to treat the dictator with adoration

The Five Year Plan Stalin launches the Five Year Plan in 1928 which transforms Russia from an agricultural to industrial nation. Industrial output increased significantly wages and social conditions declined for the workers. By 1937, Stalin had achieved his goal– USSR was the world’s 2nd largest industrial power You may wish to remind the class that Marx created Communism for the country that is already an industrial economy, not an agricultural economy hoping to become more industrialized. By 1937, Stalin had achieved his goal– USSR was the world’s 2nd largest industrial power

INDUSTRIAL POLICIES Impossibly high quotas, to increase the output of steel, coal, oil, and electricity. The government limited the production of consumer goods. severe shortages of housing, food, clothing, and other necessary goods. The government chose the workers, assigned them jobs, and determined their working hours Needed police permission to move

AGRICULTURAL POLICIES In 1928, the government seized over 25 million privately owned farms in the Soviet Union. It created collective farms – large government owned farms that each had hundreds of workers producing food for the state. The Kulaks, wealthy, independent peasants, were forced to join the collectives or were eliminated.

Terror Tactics Stalin used secret police, torture, and violent purges to ensure obedience. Got rid of all opposition. Stalin used terror as a weapon against his own people and violated his peoples’ individual rights. Critics were sent to the Gulag, a system of brutal labor camps.

STALIN and the GREAT PURGE In his desire to purge (eliminate) anyone who threatened his power, Stalin was responsible for the deaths of 8 – 13 million of his own Soviet citizens Millions more died of famine caused by his economic policies Labor camp workers in Siberia -- Stalin sent millions of political prisoners to labor camps

Russian Propaganda and Censorship Totalitarian states rely on indoctrination or brainwashing Government controls all media, which glorified the achievements of communism, Stalin, and his program Stalin developed a “cult of personality” often glorifying himself in official propaganda posters (see right). Artists are censored and controlled

Education and Indoctrination Stalin made the nationality’s culture more Russian. In doing so he tried to unite all Russians. Government controls all education, from early grades to college.

Religious Persecution Government attacks the Russian Orthodox Church. Magnificent churches and synagogues are destroyed. Religious leaders are killed. People lose all personal rights and freedoms.

Daily Life Under Stalin

Gains at Great Cost People’s lives changed under Stalin but there were continuous shortages and restricted freedoms. Instead of creating a classless society in which all were equal, Stalin created a society where a few elite groups emerged as a new ruling class. People better educated, gain new skills. Limited personal freedoms; very few consumer goods.

Woman Gain Rights Communists say women are equal to men. Women forced to join labor force; state provides child care Many women receive advanced educations and become professionals. Women suffer from the demands of work and family.

Benefits in the Soviet Union under Stalin. Free medical care Free day care Inexpensive housing Public recreation

Negatives living under Stalin in the USSR. Scarce housing Short supply of meat and fruit

Soviet Foreign Policy From 1917-39, the USSR the Soviet Union’s foreign policy focused on spreading communism and revolution throughout the world. In 1919, Lenin formed the Communist International or Comintern: encourage worldwide revolution (rise against their imperial powers or the west) and aided revolutionary groups Use propaganda against capitalism and the West. Joined the League of Nations.

Looking Ahead Western countries still mistrust USSR. By the time Stalin dies in 1953, the Soviet Union had become a military superpower and a world leader in heavy industry. People were dominated by terror and totalitarian gov’t. Many lived meager lives compared with those in the West.