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Economic Recovery

History: Edexcel IGCSE USSR, 1924-1953, topic 5.3.1

Post-War Recovery

The USSR had been damaged by WW2. The Fourth Five-year plan was aimed to rebuild the Soviet economy.

Impact of WW2

Impact of WW2

  • The Soviet Union lost 25 million people.
  • 70% of the USSR’s industries were destroyed.
  • 60% of the USSR’s transport facilities were destroyed.
  • 1,700 cities were destroyed.
Fourth five year plan

Fourth five year plan

  • In 1946, Stalin announced his new five year plan.
  • The fourth five year plan focussed on heavy industry and technology.
  • E.g. Ukraine’s output in 1950 surpassed its pre-war levels.
  • This five-year plan was interpreted by the West as a sign that the USSR did not want peace.
  • In response, Kennan wrote his ‘Long Telegram’.
Reparations

Reparations

  • The USSR rebuilt its economy using reparations from Germany.
  • E.g. the Soviet Union took control of 3,500 German factories.
COMECON

COMECON

  • In 1949, COMECON was established. This was designed to unite the Eastern Bloc economically.

Test yourself on Economic Recovery

  • How many people died in the Soviet Union?

  • Who wrote the Long Telegram?

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