How Far Did the First Five-Year Plan Differ from the Second and Third Five-Year Plans?

How far did the First Five-Year Plan differ from the Second and Third Five-Year Plans? (30 marks)

It can be argued that the First Five-Year plan differed considerably From the Second and the Third Five-Year Plans. The original plan was based on the heavy industry whilst the second plan between 1933-1938 took into consideration consumer goods, electricity and communications as well but still had heavy industry as priority which also applied to the third plan too, however the Third Five-Year Plan was between 1938 and 1941 which meant tension between Hitler and Stalin was growing so Stalin focused on Rearmament and also creation of a war economy.

Heavy Industry was the only thing in the First Five-Year Plan that Stalin wanted to concentrated on, this included iron, steel, coal and oil. The reason behind this was because it was an attempt to lay the foundation for future industrial development. Coal, iron, steel and oil were described by Stalin as ‘basic, decisive branches of industry’ this explains his focus, therefore shows that is Stalin wanted to ensure Russia was soon to be industrialised, he had to start with these Heavy Industries.

Whilst heavy industry was the main priority in the First Plan it was a target in the second and third plan too. Whilst is wasn’t the most important thing to Stalin during the years 1933 to 1941 it still needed to have some importance due to the situations the Soviet Union in especially during the third plan due to the inevitable war approaching. Heavy industry had to continue to progress for rearmament to do well. Coal production went from 128 million tonnes in 1937 to 166 million tonnes in 1940, this was important for transport as steam trains played a huge part in the transport system during the five year plans, this therefore shows how heavy industry was important throughout the first 3 plans and all shared this similarity.

Heavy Industry was obviously more important to Stalin than the living standards of the Soviet Union...