First Five Year Plan, 1928-32

What was the Soviet Union's First Five Year Plan?

The First Five Year Plan was the first industrial plan created by Gosplan for the USSR.

When was the First Five Year Plan in the Soviet Union?

The First Five Year Plan was from October 1928 to December 1932.

What were the aims of the First 5 Year Plan in the Soviet Union?

The First Five Year Plan was focused on developing heavy industry such as steel, coal, iron and electricity. Approximately 80% of all investment went into heavy industry.

What were the successes of the First Five Year Plan in the Soviet Union?

The First Five Year Plan had 5 key successes:

• ❖ Electricity production trebled.
• ❖ The economy grew by 14% per year.
• ❖ Coal and iron output doubled and steel production increased by one-third.
• ❖ New industrial complexes were being built as well as machine tractor works.
• ❖ The targets were met in just four years, not five.

What were the weaknesses of the First Five Year Plan in the Soviet Union?

The First Five Year Plan had 5 key weaknesses:

• ❖ There was very little growth in consumer goods and fertilizers.
• ❖ The lack of skilled workers created instability, especially as many kept changing jobs.
• ❖ The quality of what was produced was low.
• ❖ Many targets were too high and not met, such as those in the chemical industry.
• ❖ Working and living conditions deteriorated further.