From the May 2023 Paper 3 HL IBDP History Exam
The Soviet Union's post-World War II era (1945-1953) remains a period of intense historical scrutiny, given its significance in moulding the trajectory of the 20th century's political and economic landscape. This era saw remarkable transformations in the Soviet Union, driven by Joseph Stalin's leadership, that left indelible imprints on global affairs. This essay focuses on the exploration of these crucial political and economic developments in the Soviet Union between 1945 and 1953.
The conclusion of World War II in 1945 marked a significant turning point in global geopolitics. With the Soviet Union emerging as one of the two major superpowers alongside the United States, its political manoeuvrings under Stalin's rule began to gain momentum. The end of the war found Stalin strengthening his hold over the country, and he sought to establish the USSR as a dominant player on the global stage. In her seminal work, Applebaum underscores Stalin's role in turning the Soviet Union into a formidable superpower through a combination of extensive purges, tight political control, and careful manipulation of ideologies. These tactics resulted in increased centralisation of power and the consequent marginalisation of any opposition.
On an international level, the Soviet Union began exerting its influence over Eastern Europe, establishing what Churchill famously referred to as the 'Iron Curtain.' This was a pivotal step that marked the onset of the Cold War and the bipolar world order. Davies, in his work, posits that the USSR's control over Eastern European nations not only represented a geopolitical advantage but also provided a buffer zone against potential future invasions. It was a calculated move, reflecting the Soviet Union's new strategic imperatives.
Parallel to these political developments were major economic transformations. The Soviet Union faced the daunting task of economic recovery post World War II, having suffered enormous human and material losses. Stalin responded to this challenge through the implementation of the Fourth and Fifth Five-Year Plans. Allen’s work highlights how these plans aimed at reconstructing the devastated industrial and agricultural sectors. The focus was predominantly on heavy industries such as coal, steel, and oil. The success of these plans, according to Allen, was remarkable in terms of production output, and they played a crucial role in reinstating the Soviet Union as an economic powerhouse. However, the economic policies during this period were not without their shortcomings. While heavy industries were given preference, consumer industries were largely neglected, leading to a scarcity of consumer goods. Moreover, the collectivisation of agriculture remained a controversial policy. Nove’s analysis suggests that, although collectivisation resulted in a concentration of resources, it was also associated with reduced agricultural productivity and peasant unrest in certain regions.
Critics argue that the developments during this period were a manifestation of Stalin's despotic rule. His repressive policies curtailed basic freedoms and resulted in widespread fear and suffering. Fitzpatrick’s assessment underscores the human cost of Stalin's policies, arguing that the emphasis on industrialisation led to immense hardship for the Soviet populace, particularly for the rural peasantry. The relentless focus on becoming an industrial superpower led to widespread neglect of the welfare of the citizens. Conversely, proponents of Stalin's rule argue that his firm leadership was instrumental in transforming the USSR into a global superpower. Getty suggests that, while Stalin's reign was marked by brutality, it was this uncompromising stance that allowed the Soviet Union to regain its strength following the devastations of World War II.
Between 1945 and 1953, the Soviet Union underwent profound political and economic shifts. Politically, Stalin's centralisation of power and the expansion of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe defined this era. Economically, the emphasis on heavy industrialisation during the Fourth and Fifth Five-Year Plans aimed to bolster the country's economic capabilities. However, these developments were marked by stark contradictions – while the Soviet Union emerged as a superpower, it was at the expense of the welfare of its people. The evaluation of this period demands a nuanced understanding, acknowledging both the achievements and the shortcomings of the policies pursued. The legacy of this era continues to shape global political and economic dynamics, underscoring its historical significance.
