Russia, 1917–1953 – Stalin’s rise to power, 1924–1929: Economic…

The idea

The 'Great Turn' of 1928 marked a radical economic shift from Lenin's gradualist New Economic Policy (NEP) to a command economy. Stalin's reasons included the 1927/28 grain procurement crisis, ideological desires to eliminate capitalist 'Nepmen' and 'kulaks', and the need for rapid industrialisation to defend against foreign threats. The impact was profound, centralising state control over production. This shift was implemented through the launch of the first Five Year Plan (1928–1932), which set ambitious quotas for heavy industries like coal and steel. Simultaneously, the decision to collectivise agriculture aimed to fund industrialisation by forcing peasants into state-controlled farms (Kolkhozy), sparking massive resistance.

What earns the marks

• Identify the ideological and practical reasons for abandoning the NEP, such as the 1927/28 grain procurement crisis and the desire to achieve true socialism.
• Explain the economic shift towards a command economy managed by Gosplan.
• Evaluate the launch of the first Five Year Plan, focusing on its emphasis on heavy industry and the use of unrealistic production targets.
• Analyse the decision to collectivise agriculture as a mechanism to extract grain surpluses to feed urban workers and fund industrial imports.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing the first Five Year Plan with later plans.

  Put it right: Ensure you specifically link the first Five Year Plan (1928-1932) to the initial focus on heavy industry and the 'Great Turn', rather than later focuses on rearmament or consumer goods.

• Stating collectivisation was purely an economic decision.

  Put it right: Acknowledge the ideological motivation to destroy the 'kulak' class and extend Party control over the countryside.

• Claiming the 1923 'scissors crisis' was the immediate trigger for abandoning the NEP.

  Put it right: Note that while the 1923 scissors crisis highlighted NEP's flaws, the immediate catalyst for the 'Great Turn' was the 1927/28 grain procurement crisis combined with Stalin's political manoeuvring.

Exam tips

• Link the economic shift of the 'Great Turn' directly to Stalin's political consolidation and his defeat of Bukharin and the Right Opposition.
• Use specific terminology such as 'command economy', 'Gosplan', 'Nepmen', and 'kulaks' to demonstrate precise historical knowledge.
• When evaluating the impact of the first Five Year Plan, contrast the official propaganda successes with the reality of chaotic implementation and human cost.