Economic Priorities 1953-1985: USSR Agriculture
30 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the main reason for the decline in Soviet economic growth rates from the 1950s to the 1970s?

  • The decrease in oil production after the global oil crisis of the 1970s.
  • The implementation of Kosygin's economic reforms.
  • The failure to achieve 'intensive growth' due to inefficiencies in central planning. (correct)
  • The increasing burden of military spending following Brezhnev's policies.

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Soviet economy under Brezhnev?

  • The acceptance and toleration of a ‘black market’ for goods and services.
  • A focus on increasing the quantity and quality of consumer goods produced.
  • A significant increase in agricultural production through the implementation of Khrushchev's ‘Virgin Lands’ scheme. (correct)
  • A reliance on importing grain from the West to maintain low food prices.

Which of these reforms were introduced during the early years of Brezhnev's leadership?

  • A return to five-year plans and a focus on heavy industry. (correct)
  • A complete dismantling of the central planning system and a move towards a market economy.
  • A significant restructuring of the collective farm system and a shift towards private ownership.
  • An increase in consumer goods production and a focus on improving quality.

What was the primary goal of Kosygin's economic reforms?

<p>To shift the focus from production to consumption by giving factory managers more autonomy and incentivizing profit-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a direct consequence of Brezhnev's focus on military parity with the USA?

<p>A significant strain on the Soviet economy as resources were diverted to military spending. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of Andropov's three campaigns aimed to address the issue of corruption in the Soviet system?

<p>Anti-Corruption Campaign (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind Breznev's acceptance of the ‘black market’ in the Soviet economy?

<p>To provide a channel for consumers to access scarce goods and services. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Andropov's reforms fail to stop the economic decline in the Soviet Union?

<p>They were poorly enforced and did not address the fundamental issues of central planning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the Soviet economy’s performance during the 1970s?

<p>A period of stagnation and declining growth despite a rise in standards of living due to oil revenue. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the relative decrease in Soviet economic growth rates compared to the US economy during the 1950s and 1960s?

<p>The Soviet Union's focus on heavy industry over consumer goods production limited potential for efficient growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by Khrushchev regarding collective farms to improve production?

<p>He introduced higher prices and reduced quotas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Virgin Lands Scheme launched by Khrushchev?

<p>To convert unproductive lands into arable farms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the Corn Campaign initiated by Khrushchev?

<p>Decreased animal feed production by 30%. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Between 1954-1959, how did agricultural investment change in the Soviet budget?

<p>It grew from under 3% to 12.8%. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What result did the changes in the government’s relationship with collective farms primarily lead to?

<p>A 250% rise in farm incomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What problem did Soviet farms face in comparison to US farms during the Corn Campaign?

<p>Lower corn yield per hectare. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the increase in the number of tractors available by 1955 due to Khrushchev's investments?

<p>30%. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary focuses of the Corn Campaign?

<p>To use maize as animal feed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial result of the Virgin Lands Scheme between 1953 and 1958?

<p>Significant rises in grain harvests and meat production. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a critical limitation of Soviet agriculture highlighted during the Corn Campaign?

<p>Inferior quality of tractors and fertilizers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage increase in agricultural production overall by 1964 compared to 1958?

<p>15% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major drawback of the Virgin Lands Scheme?

<p>It was labor intensive with low employment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Khrushchev’s expectation for food production by 1960?

<p>To surpass the US food production significantly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a consequence of Khrushchev's central planning in agriculture?

<p>Inadequate storage leading to waste. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the 7 Year Plan aim to boost primarily?

<p>Agricultural production and consumer goods. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects Khrushchev's approach to agricultural policies?

<p>He frequently reformed ministries dealing with agriculture. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in military spending from 1955 to 1958?

<p>Decreased from 12.1% to 9.1% of GDP. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main issues with the introduction of the Sovnarkhoz reforms?

<p>It led to confusion in the economic system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended outcome of increasing chemical production under Khrushchev's policies?

<p>To enhance fertilizer production and crop yields. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a failure in Khrushchev's agricultural policies?

<p>The overall agricultural inefficiency persisted. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Virgin Lands Scheme

Khrushchev's policy to increase agricultural production by converting unused land in the Northern Caucasus, Kazakhstan, and Western Siberia into new farms.

Productivity

The amount of a product that can be produced per unit of input, such as land or labor.

Opportunity Cost

The idea that a decision to produce more of one good means producing less of something else.

Corn Campaign

A policy introduced by Khrushchev to encourage farmers to grow maize in the Ukraine.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Quota

The amount of goods a farm has to produce for the government at a low price.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Incentive Prices

The price paid for a good when exceeding the quota, set by the government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Farm Equipment

Machines used on farms, such as tractors and combines.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fertilizers

A substance that makes plants grow faster and healthier.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Surplus

The difference between total production and the quota.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Improved Incentives

The change in the relationship between collective farms and the government under Khrushchev, aiming to improve production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Production over consumption

Soviet economic policy of prioritizing production over consumer demand, leading to the production of goods that were often useless or undesirable, but met production targets.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Kosygin Reforms

A period of economic reforms initiated by Alexei Kosygin in the 1960s that aimed to improve efficiency by giving more control to factory managers and focusing on profit.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Post-Khrushchev Era

The period after Khrushchev's fall when Breznev restored the 5-year plans, focused on increasing consumer goods production, and increased military spending.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soviet Economic Decline

A period of economic decline in the Soviet Union, where growth rates slowed and the economy struggled to maintain its growth momentum.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Military Parity

The Soviet Union's strategy of developing a powerful military, leading to increased military spending and eventually achieving nuclear parity with the USA.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Developed Socialism

A Soviet political and economic ideology that focused on building a socialist society with social welfare and stable living standards, abandoning Khrushchev's goal of achieving communism by 1980.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Second Economy

A black market that developed in the Soviet Union that provided access to consumer goods and services that were not readily available through official channels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Andropov's Reforms

A series of reforms introduced by Yuri Andropov in the 1980s that aimed to improve productivity and address economic issues through anti-corruption, anti-alcohol campaigns, and Operation Trawl.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intensive Growth

Growth achieved by improving the efficiency of existing factories and using resources more effectively, which the centrally planned Soviet economy struggled to achieve.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oil Price Boom

The increase in global oil prices in the 1970s that benefited the Soviet economy by increasing export revenue, masking some of the underlying economic issues.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soviet Agriculture Inefficiency

The inefficiency refers to the fact that the USSR produced significantly less food than the United States despite employing a much larger proportion of its population in agriculture.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Virgin Lands Scheme Failure

Despite initial success, the Virgin Lands Scheme failed to deliver consistent increases in food production. Harvests declined after 1958, and the scheme's costs proved to be substantial.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Khrushchev's Agricultural Policies

Khrushchev's agricultural policies, while intended to boost food production and citizen living standards, ultimately failed to address the inherent inefficiencies in the Soviet agricultural system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Khrushchev's Military Spending

Khrushchev's dedication to increasing living standards saw him reduce military spending between 1955 and 1958, but this effort was reversed in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Seven-Year Plan (1959)

The Seven-Year Plan, launched in 1959, aimed to stimulate agricultural production and increase the production of consumer goods, with a particular focus on chemical production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Seven-Year Plan (1959) Success

The Seven-Year Plan, designed to boost the Soviet economy and meet ambitious goals, did not meet Khrushchev's expectations. While there were increases in chemical and consumer goods production, they fell short of the target growth levels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Issues with the Seven-Year Plan (1959)

Khrushchev's constant changes to the economic structure through reforms such as the Sovnarkhoz, which aimed at decentralization, created instability and confusion, undermining the effectiveness of planned economic growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soviet Economic System and Consumer Goods

The Soviet economic system was poorly suited for producing consumer goods. It was primarily designed for heavy industry and large-scale production, making it difficult to efficiently meet the demands for consumer products.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Khrushchev's Agricultural Goals and Soviet System

Khrushchev's ambitious goals for boosting Soviet agriculture, aimed at surpassing the US in food production by 1960, were not met due to the system's inherent inefficiencies and systemic issues, highlighting the limitations of the Soviet economic system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Economic Priorities 1953-1985

  • Khrushchev's agricultural reforms (1953-1964) aimed to boost production.
  • Incentive improvements: Reduced quotas, higher prices, leading to a 250% rise in farm incomes (1952-1956).
  • Resource investment: Increased fertilizer and tractor production, 30% tractor, 40% fertilizer increase (1955).
  • Virgin Lands Scheme: Ambitious plan to cultivate new lands in the Northern Caucasus, Kazakhstan, and Western Siberia. Agricultural investment tripled (1954-1959), from under 3% to 12.8% of the budget.
  • Total area sown: Increased significantly (18.2 million hectares in 1953 to 97.4 million hectares in 1964).

Corn Campaign

  • Khrushchev encouraged maize production in the Ukraine.
  • Failure: Soviet farms produced only 50% of the corn per hectare compared to US farms due to climate, lower productivity, and inferior equipment.
  • Reduced animal feed production by 30%.

Agricultural Successes (1953-1958)

  • Significant increases in grain harvests, meat, and milk production.
  • 35.3% overall agricultural growth.
  • Increased food availability and farm worker income (400%).
  • Allowed Khrushchev to consolidate his position and pursue ambitious goals.

Agricultural Failures (1954-1964)

  • Inefficiencies in Soviet agriculture persisted.
  • Costs of the Virgin Lands Scheme.
  • Labour-intensive nature of Soviet agriculture (54-44% of the population).
  • Declining harvests after initial success (1960-1964), 15% higher production than 1958.

Issues with Khrushchev's Policies

  • Ineffective centrally directed campaigns (e.g., Corn Campaign).
  • Reform-related confusion in agricultural ministries.
  • Inadequate storage and waste of produce.

Industrial Modernisation

Military Spending

  • Khrushchev initially decreased military spending (1955-1958), then it rose again.
  • Military spending reached 11% of GDP in 1964.
  • Growth reduced as military spending grew.

Seven-Year Plan (1959)

  • Goal: Boost agricultural and consumer goods production.
  • Focus: Chemical production, hoped to improve fertilizer, increase crop yield and consumer goods.
  • Success: Increased chemical and consumer goods production but fell short of targets.

Problems with the Seven-Year Plan

  • Frequent economic reorganizations (e.g., 1957 Sovnarkhoz reforms – decentralized power, disrupted coordination, 1962 split the party to further increase chaos). This lead to inconsistent, short-lived plans.
  • Unrealistic targets.

Post-1964 Economic Reforms

  • Restoration (after Khrushchev):
    • Return to 5-Year plans.
    • Less ambitious consumer goods goals compared to Khrushchev.

Kosygin Reforms (1968)

  • Goal: Improve efficiency by granting more power to factory managers and linking success to profits.
  • Outcome: Reforms ended in August 1968 before going into effect, as reforms in Czechoslovakia sparked rebellion.

Brezhnev's Policies

  • Increased military spending to achieve nuclear parity with the US

  • Developed Socialism:

    • Abandoned Khrushchev's promise of communism by 1980,
    • Emphasized job security and low prices, achieved through grain imports from the West.
    • Accepted the black market ("necessary evil").

Andropov's Reforms (1982-1984)

  • Goal: Address economic problems.
  • Campaigns: Anti-corruption, anti-alcohol, "Operation Trawl".
  • Impact: Reduced Vodka consumption but failed to fix underlying issues.

Declining Growth

  • Soviet economy's growth rate declined significantly after 1960s.
  • Causes: Inefficiencies in central planning, inability to achieve "intensive growth" (growth based on efficiency improvements).

Impact of Oil Prices

  • 1970s oil price increases masked deeper problems.
  • Allowed imports and maintained living standards initially.

Overall Soviet Economy (1964-1985)

  • Minimal reforms, lower expectations.
  • Continued reliance on central planning and collectivisation.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Explore the agricultural reforms and challenges in the USSR during Khrushchev's leadership from 1953 to 1985. This quiz covers key initiatives like the Virgin Lands Scheme and the Corn Campaign, highlighting successes and failures in enhancing productivity. Test your knowledge on the policies that shaped Soviet agriculture during this transformative period.

More Like This

Nikita Khrushchev
10 questions

Nikita Khrushchev

PeerlessObsidian2482 avatar
PeerlessObsidian2482
The Khrushchev-Stalin Dynamic
10 questions

The Khrushchev-Stalin Dynamic

HardWorkingTopaz avatar
HardWorkingTopaz
Khrushchev's Economic Reforms
10 questions

Khrushchev's Economic Reforms

VigilantTonalism avatar
VigilantTonalism
Khrushchev
232 questions

Khrushchev

CoolNephrite5439 avatar
CoolNephrite5439
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser