What happened
In 1917, after the overthrow of the Tsar (basically a Russian king) and the democratic provisional government that followed him, the Bolshevik (later known as the communists) led by Vladimir Lenin, took control of Russia. The Soviet Union was founded 5 years later, in 1922, with Lenin as it's first leader. Stalin was appointed as secretary general, a position that allowed him to appoint himself allies in office. In 1924, when Lenin died from several strokes, Stalin sprung to outmaneuver his political rivals in securing the top spot as the head of the Union, even going as far as using a faked picture (shown left) depicting him sitting with Lenin. This tactic worked to increase his credibility among the people and Stalin secured his rule.
After our dear leader got into the drivers seat. however, he didn't just sit back and relax. Starting in 1928, Stalin introduced a series of 5 year plans that aimed to transform Russian into and industrial superpower that could rival even the US. The first five year plan which focused on ramping up production of valuable metals such as iron and steel, mechanical parts, increased efficiency and access to electrical power, and more efficient transportation. With this, Stalin called for a "110% increase in coal production, 200% increase in iron production, and 335% increase in electrical power
These extremely harsh demands led to equally harsh standards for workers throughout the country. Running records were kept of a worker's output, how late a they were, and how frequently they were absent from their post. If a workers record was unsatisfactory in the eyes of their superiors, they could have faced be sent to forced labor camps or even being shot.
Stalin was often criticized for his rapid push to industrialize Russia. In response he was quoted stating "No comrades... the pace must not be slackened! On the contrary, we must quicken it as much as is within our powers and possibilities. To slacken the pace would mean to lag behind; and those who lag behind are beaten.... "
After our dear leader got into the drivers seat. however, he didn't just sit back and relax. Starting in 1928, Stalin introduced a series of 5 year plans that aimed to transform Russian into and industrial superpower that could rival even the US. The first five year plan which focused on ramping up production of valuable metals such as iron and steel, mechanical parts, increased efficiency and access to electrical power, and more efficient transportation. With this, Stalin called for a "110% increase in coal production, 200% increase in iron production, and 335% increase in electrical power
These extremely harsh demands led to equally harsh standards for workers throughout the country. Running records were kept of a worker's output, how late a they were, and how frequently they were absent from their post. If a workers record was unsatisfactory in the eyes of their superiors, they could have faced be sent to forced labor camps or even being shot.
Stalin was often criticized for his rapid push to industrialize Russia. In response he was quoted stating "No comrades... the pace must not be slackened! On the contrary, we must quicken it as much as is within our powers and possibilities. To slacken the pace would mean to lag behind; and those who lag behind are beaten.... "
why it matters
Much of the significance of this information can be seen prominently in Stalin's last quote. "Those who lag behind are beaten..." This quote gives prominent insight as to Stalin's worldview, and how he viewed the other countries around him. He viewed them as competition - as enemies.. He believed that if his country and his people did not industrialize now, he would be at a disadvantage to countries like the U.S. and the UK who he thought were out to overtake him.
Additionally. as the soviets grew in power, the other countries surely began to see them as a new and powerful adversary on the global stage. This industrialization surely served as a pretext to the growing western paranoia in the 30's and 40's.
Additionally. as the soviets grew in power, the other countries surely began to see them as a new and powerful adversary on the global stage. This industrialization surely served as a pretext to the growing western paranoia in the 30's and 40's.