Why did industrialisation depend on agriculture in the USSR Essay Example

the peasants, treating them as commodities to be exploited under the more committed communists.

On the other hand, Bukharin's theory details peasants receiving fair payment for grain, a fair market for purchasing goods, and opportunities for savings and investments. In his theory, all sectors of the government, industry, and peasantry have an equal chance to make a profit and rise in stature and status.

Preobrazensky's ideas are more rigid and state/communist-based, while Bukharin's hover on the edge of capitalism. Preobrazensky's theory employs a "state trade monopoly" and promises faster trade results.

"Why do you think the leading communists had little time for peasants?"

There were various reasons why the leading and influential communists showed little interest in peasants and kulaks. Firstly, these peasants were primarily motivated by economic gain rather than the ideology or principles of communism and Marxism. When the government implemented compulsory confiscation of surplus grain during war communism, the kulaks were accused of intentionally hoarding grain. As a result, they became indifferent and only grew enough grain to sustain themselves, their families, and for future planting.

This situation had a negative impact on urban workers, as the price of bread was disproportionately high compared to their average wages. This gave rise to the scissors crisis. Due to their lack of education and rural background, the peasants had nothing significant to contribute to the socialist order. Karl Marx himself stated that "socialism can only exist in a state where the majority are urban workers."

Since the peasants were below the urban workers in social status, as long as they fulfilled their grain quota for the state and remained out of the communist leaders' way, they had little interaction with

them.

5. "What benefits would the Great Turn bring to the Soviet Union?"

The implementation of Stalin's "Great Turn" and the introduction of the 5-year plans (5YPs) had a significant impact on the economic and social aspects of the country. The failure of the New Economic Policy (NEP) resulted in high unemployment rates, limited productivity in factories and industries, and expensive food prices in comparison to incomes. Prior to the revolution, Russia exported 12 million tonnes of grain in a normal year, but under the NEP, it never exceeded 3 million tonnes. With Stalin's new economic policy, inspired by Preobrazenky's theory, rapid industrialization occurred alongside increased trade.

State control would be crucial for significantly improving productivity. Stalin's collectivisation plans would also greatly benefit many Russians. All peasants would receive support, housing, food, and stability. All workers would have a job and a state-owned house. The government would gain substantial profits from the issue of state control.