Why did Stalin Collectivise and Industrialise?

Why did Stalin Collectivise and Industrialise?

1. Fear of Invastion

   • Stalin had fears of an attack from the west
   • Industrialisation was essential in the Soviet Union was to ensure victory in a future war
   • Industrialisation would strengthen the country and deter any opponent

2. Dissapointing Output

   • Economically the Soviet industrial production remained disappointing.
   • In 1920s Soviet production was less than that of France
   • Control would help the govt. ensure a good economy and rapid expansion to be ahead of other nations.

3. Communist Principles

   • By creating and sharing wealth Stalin hoped to base on communist principles.
   • Industrialisation would guarantee the survival of the communist revolution
   • It would replace the hated Nepmen (private owners and traders that benefited from the NEP)

4. Leadership

   • Industrialisation would consolidate Stalins position further and give him total control of Russian Industry
   • Stalin could remove any other right wing members and by 1929 he felt more secure in his position in the party
   • The right wing members of the Politburo (Bukharin, Tomsky and Rykow) were in favour of the NEP. Stalin removed them later.