Economic + Social Impact of Wartime

• Leningrad was surrounded by the end of August 1941. Germans forces were on the outskirts of Moscow.
• 50% of Russia's heavy industry was in German hands. The Soviet Union's fate was hung in the balance.
• A massive military effort was required to halt the Nazi onslaught. All economic resources needed to be mobilised.
• The Russian economy had been put on a war footing by the FYP. Heavy industry and armament were emphasised in this plan.
• Centralisation was a part of the regime that was of great value during the war effort. Triumph couldn't have been achieved without this.
• People being evacuated to the Ural mountains was one of Russia's greatest achievements. These people were beyond the reach of German forces.
• Russia's planned economy was triumphant in the Ural mountains. Orlando Figes described the revolution as "winning the war" in Russia.
• Thousands of factories were moved East or newly built. Nearly all industrial production was geared to the military.
• Railways connected industrial bases to the war fronts.
• Factories were placed under martial law for labour discipline and labour productivity.
• Harsh punishments were given for poor work and lateness.
• 72 hours of work per week became the norm. Strict rationing was introduced.
• Russia's production exceeded Germany by 1943.
• The US provided thousands of vehicles, planes and tanks for Russia. 5 million tons of food was provided.
• Prison camp labour produced weaponry and uniforms.
• Prisoners were worked until death. This similar disregard was also shown by human lives in the army.
• The military's strategic aim did not take human lives into consideration. 8.6 million troops died during the war.
• 25 million people lost their lives during the war. Many people died from starvation.
• Leningrad was besieged for over 2 years. Heating, lighting and water was unavailable.
• 800,000 people died in cities during the winter of 1941-42. This total exceeds that of the US and UK combined during the whole war.
• Propaganda emphasised patriotism in order to drive the invader out of Mother Russia. Many people responded to this as they were willing to face extreme hardship.
• Many soldiers in the war previously faced harsh conditions in the 1930s. They were willing to do this again in hope for a better future.
• 4 out of 5 of collective farmers were women during the war. They would often pull ploughs by hand.
• Churches were allowed to reopen to boost morale. They supported the defence of "Holy Mother Russia".
• Government propaganda exploited a feeling of nationalism. Memories of Tsarism were invoked by it.
• The war brought together the government and the people. Stalin emerged as the nation's saviour, but more feared than ever.
• J.P. Netti said that Stalin thanked the Russian people for "their confidence in their government".