Changing life under Stalin

Changing life under Stalin

Economic Changes under Stalin

Industrialisation: Rapid industrialisation was a key focus under Stalin, with the Five-Year Plans issued to transform Soviet industry.
Collectivisation: Stalin introduced forced collectivisation, merging small farms into large state-controlled enterprises to increase agricultural output.
End of NEP: New Economic Policy (NEP) was abolished, ending the era of limited private enterprise.

Political Changes under Stalin

‘Great Purge’: Stalin launched the Great Purge, targeting party officials, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens, leading to rampant fear and paranoia.
Cult of Personality: Stalin created an extreme personality cult, where he was portrayed as an infallible and god-like figure.
Policy of ‘Socialism in One Country’: Stalin advocated for the USSR to become powerful and self-sufficient rather than spreading worldwide communist revolution.

Education: Stalin prioritised education, leading to a significant decrease in illiteracy rates and an increase in technical skills.
Women’s status: Women gained more rights, including equal pay and access to education and certain professions.
Living standards: Despite industrial progress, most Soviet people experienced a decline in living standards, with widespread famine and poverty.

Cultural Changes under Stalin

Art and literature: The Soviet government controlled cultural expression, promoting Socialist Realism, an art style depicting the positive aspects of communism.
Religious persecution: Stalin heavily persecuted religious groups, leading to a decline in religious freedom and belief.
Ideological conformity: Stalin imposed ideological conformity, with deviation from the party line considered a crime.