Kolkhozes

Definition

Kolkhozes were collective farms in the Soviet Union, established during the process of agricultural collectivization that began in the late 1920s. They were designed to consolidate individual landholdings and labor into collective farms, where the means of production were owned collectively. The creation of kolkhozes was part of a broader strategy to eliminate the kulaks, or wealthier peasants, as part of the Soviet regime's goal to reshape agriculture and improve efficiency while aiming for socialist ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kolkhozes were created as part of Stalin's drive for rapid industrialization and agricultural reform, aiming to transform the agrarian economy into a more efficient socialist model.
2. By the early 1930s, millions of peasants were forced into kolkhozes, leading to widespread resistance and suffering, including famine in several regions.
3. Kolkhozes operated on the principle of collective ownership, where profits were shared among members, although production quotas were often set by the state.
4. The structure of kolkhozes varied, but they typically included communal fields and shared equipment, with decisions made collectively among members.
5. Over time, kolkhozes became a vital part of Soviet agricultural policy, despite their initial failures and inefficiencies, and persisted until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Review Questions

• What were the main goals behind the establishment of kolkhozes in the Soviet Union?
  • The main goals behind establishing kolkhozes included consolidating individual landholdings into larger collective farms to increase agricultural efficiency and productivity. This was part of Stalin's broader strategy for rapid industrialization and collectivization. Additionally, by targeting kulaks for elimination, the government aimed to dismantle class structures within rural areas and promote a socialist economy based on collective ownership.
• Discuss the impact that collectivization and kolkhozes had on rural communities in the Soviet Union.
  • Collectivization and the establishment of kolkhozes had profound impacts on rural communities in the Soviet Union. Many peasants faced forced relocation to these collective farms, leading to resistance, violence, and social upheaval. The disruption caused by collectivization also resulted in widespread famine in certain regions as agricultural practices were altered dramatically. Ultimately, while some economic benefits were realized over time, the social fabric of rural life was significantly altered.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of kolkhozes on Soviet agriculture and society as a whole.
  • The long-term consequences of kolkhozes on Soviet agriculture and society were complex. While they aimed to boost productivity through collective farming, many kolkhozes struggled with inefficiency and poor yields due to lack of proper incentives for workers. In addition, the social dynamics within rural areas changed drastically as traditional peasant life was disrupted. Over time, however, kolkhozes became entrenched in Soviet agriculture, influencing policies even after their initial failures. This legacy continued to affect agricultural practices in post-Soviet states long after the collapse of the USSR.

Related terms

Collectivization: The policy implemented by the Soviet government to consolidate individual landholdings and labor into collective farms, with the aim of boosting agricultural production and eliminating private ownership.

Kulaks: Wealthier peasants in the Soviet Union who were targeted during collectivization, accused of exploiting poorer peasants and resisting government policies.

State Farms (Sovkhozes): Farms owned and operated by the state, which employed workers and produced agricultural goods under state direction, serving as a counterpart to kolkhozes.