The Stakhanovite Movement

What was the Stakhanovite movement?

The Stakhanovite movement was the name given to workers that attempted to produce more than their targets, often by experimenting with new production techniques.

Who started the Stakhanovite movement?

Aleksei Stakhanov started the movement.

Why did Alexei Stakhanov start the Stakhanovite movement?

He was a coal miner who was extremely competitive and focused on ways to improve productivity.

What did Alexei Stakhanov do in the Stakhanovite movement?

Stakhanov did the following 4 main things:

• ❖ He and his team managed to mine 102 tons of coal in less than six hours - 14 times more than his quota on 30th August, 1935!
• ❖ He received a holiday, a new home and extra pay as a reward.
• ❖ He was held up by the Soviet Union as an example to other workers and became a national hero.
• ❖ He travelled the country as a celebrity and appeared on the cover of 'Time' magazine.

What were the results of the Stakhanovite movement?

There were 3 main results of the movement:

• ❖ It sometimes disrupted the otherwise smooth running of factories as Stakhanovites attempted to set new records for production.
• ❖ The Stakhanovite movement was used as propaganda.
• ❖ It encouraged workers to work harder as they were promised higher wages or more rations.