Why Did The Five Year Plans Improve The Economic Conditions Of The Soviet Union
The five year plans improved the economic conditions of the Soviet Union. By having the five year plans industrialize the USSR, there are more opportunities to find employment. After the first five year plan (1928-1932), the national income of the Soviet Union increased 85% compared to the national income of 1928 (Stalin). During the duration of the first and second five year plan, the amount of workers in different industries increased significantly. For example, the number of Soviet workers employed in industry, construction, and transport increased from 4.6 million to 12.6 million (Lynn Hunt et al.). The amount of people working in hospitals also increased from 0.1 million to 1.5 million during this time (Spulber 161). The fourth five year
plan also raised the number of people working in the Soviet Union. In 1946, which was when the fourth five year plan was first put into place, the average employment number was 30.6 million. In 1950, when the fourth five year plan was completed, the average number of people employed increased to 38.9 million (Linz). Additionally, due to the fact that the five year plan encouraged collectivisation and the utilization of labour camps, there were more materials being produced. Therefore, it increased the amount of products that the Soviet Union could export. In 1948, the USSR exported 1296 billion US dollars. In 1953, the USSR exported 2998 billion US dollars (UN Stats). This growth took place throughout the fourth (1946-1950) and fifth (1951-1956) five year plans (Jansy 801-802). In addition to increasing the number of workers and the amount of material being exported, the five year plan also raised the GDP by 5.4% each year (Smit 32). From the evidence gathered, the advancements in the economy all took place after or during a five year plan. The five year plan played a huge part in enhancing the Soviet Union’s economy.
plan also raised the number of people working in the Soviet Union. In 1946, which was when the fourth five year plan was first put into place, the average employment number was 30.6 million. In 1950, when the fourth five year plan was completed, the average number of people employed increased to 38.9 million (Linz). Additionally, due to the fact that the five year plan encouraged collectivisation and the utilization of labour camps, there were more materials being produced. Therefore, it increased the amount of products that the Soviet Union could export. In 1948, the USSR exported 1296 billion US dollars. In 1953, the USSR exported 2998 billion US dollars (UN Stats). This growth took place throughout the fourth (1946-1950) and fifth (1951-1956) five year plans (Jansy 801-802). In addition to increasing the number of workers and the amount of material being exported, the five year plan also raised the GDP by 5.4% each year (Smit 32). From the evidence gathered, the advancements in the economy all took place after or during a five year plan. The five year plan played a huge part in enhancing the Soviet Union’s economy.