Communism (Soviet Union)

Definition

Communism in the Soviet Union was a political and economic ideology that aimed for a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. This system emerged after the Russian Revolution of 1917 and was characterized by state control over the economy, centralized planning, and the suppression of political dissent, which played a significant role during World War II as the USSR fought against Axis powers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Soviet Union officially adopted communism following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, leading to the establishment of a one-party state under Lenin and later Stalin.
2. During World War II, the Soviet Union's industrial capacity was significantly expanded through Five-Year Plans, which prioritized military production to support the war effort against Nazi Germany.
3. The USSR initially signed a non-aggression pact with Germany in 1939, allowing for territorial expansion before ultimately joining the Allies after being invaded in 1941.
4. Communist ideology promoted the idea of 'socialism in one country,' which became a key justification for Stalin's policies and consolidation of power in the 1920s and 1930s.
5. The Soviet Union's victory in World War II solidified its position as a superpower, leading to the spread of communism in Eastern Europe and setting the stage for the Cold War.

Review Questions

• How did communist ideology influence the Soviet Union's strategies during World War II?
  • Communist ideology played a crucial role in shaping the Soviet Union's strategies during World War II by emphasizing collective efforts towards national goals. The state mobilized resources under centralized planning to support military production, aligning with communist principles of collective ownership. This mobilization included prioritizing industrial output through Five-Year Plans, which allowed the USSR to effectively arm itself and withstand Nazi aggression.
• Evaluate the impact of Stalin’s policies on the Soviet Union’s preparedness for World War II.
  • Stalin's policies had a significant impact on the Soviet Union's preparedness for World War II. The Five-Year Plans focused on rapid industrialization and military buildup, which enhanced production capabilities. However, Stalin's purges weakened military leadership and created an atmosphere of fear that affected strategic decision-making. This combination meant that while the USSR was better equipped than before, it still faced challenges in coordination and leadership when Germany launched Operation Barbarossa.
• Analyze how the outcome of World War II influenced global perceptions of communism and its expansion post-war.
  • The outcome of World War II greatly influenced global perceptions of communism as the Soviet Union emerged as one of two superpowers alongside the United States. The successful defense against Nazi Germany positioned communism as a viable alternative to capitalism in many parts of Europe. The establishment of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and support for communist movements worldwide showcased an expansion of influence that instigated fears of a global spread of communism, leading to significant geopolitical tensions such as those seen during the Cold War.

Related terms

Bolsheviks:

A faction of the Marxist party that led the Russian Revolution in 1917, advocating for a radical overthrow of the provisional government and the establishment of a socialist state.

Five-Year Plans:

State-directed economic plans aimed at rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture in the Soviet Union, crucial for bolstering the economy before and during World War II.

Stalinism: The political system and policies implemented by Joseph Stalin, which included widespread repression, forced labor camps, and significant state control over all aspects of life in the Soviet Union.