Strengths And Weaknesses Of The Soviet Union

All historians agree industrial production increased significantly sine 1928 – probably 200%.

However, number of problems: Emphasis on quantity rather than

quality Lack of modern equipment meant low

labour productivity Shortage skilled workers – women

and displaced peasants heavily used Agriculture never recovered from

trauma of collectivisation. Peasants were peasants were unenthusiastic and unproductive.

Stalin is said to have killed 20 million people during his time in power.

Many peasants were dispossessed, esp. Kulaks.

Religious groups were persecuted.

There were opportunities for better education.

Power of Communists increased significantly during 1930’s.

Historians describe USSR as an authoritarian or totalitarian state.

Showing initiative was dangerous, which had disastrous affects that could be seen at the outbreak of WWII.

USSR spending on defence had trebled between 1937 to 1941 because they feared foreign attack.

Soviet T-34 tank was probably the best tank produced in WWII.

Many experienced officers had been purged (killed) between 1937-1938. Replacements were unlikely to show initiative.

Soviets were inflexible in strategy. Often tried to hold firm on the frontier and then plan a massive counter offensive.

Defence plants were too close to vulnerable areas and had to be relocated to the east. Evacuation plans had not been made.

Total war was employed by USSR from the start of WWII. This proved an advantage over Germany, especially as the battle became a war of attrition.

Production of military equipment was impressive considering the lack of resources. Average tank production in 1942 was 2,200 a month (Germany produced approximately 500).

Copy out the timeline on p.13 using p.13-15 to add extra details.

Also use the following texts to add extra details about these important battles:Battle of Moscow – McAndrew p.202-203Battle of Stalingrad – McAndrew p.204,

Lynch p.123Battle of Kursk – McAndrew p.204, Lynch

p.124 Explain significance of these battles –

how did they effect the outcome of the war?