Stalins Reign of Terror
The Five Year PLans - 1928-1933 & 1933-1937
The first of the plans was to collectivize the farming industry and mass produce food, this would drastically reduce competition in Russia. The second plan focused heavily on industrialization in the cities. This put the Soviet Union just behind Germany in steel production. The second plan, however was not as successful, as were the ones to follow. The workers could not meet their quotas. Though benefits were given to workers and childcare was put in place so mothers could go to work as well.
Collectivization - 1928-1940
In attempts to meet his goals, Stalin expected a 250% increase in productivity and yield from farmers and all other industries. The Communist regime believed that collectivization would get them to that state. All farmers, even the wealthiest, had to come together to mass produce grain. Even if they had been a privatized operation. This went against competition and liberal capitalism. Many of the richer farmers were not happy with this and burned down their farms and moved into the cities.
Ukrainian Famine (Holodomor) - 1932-1933
After the collectivization of the farms and the Kulaks had revolted and burned down their farms, Stalin imposed a man made famine. Rations to the farmers were drastically reduced, so millions starved to death. Months later he cut rations to the urban people as well. Stalin, in his own self-interest imposed this to teach the Ukrainian people a lesson.
Purges (Stalin's Terror) - 1934-1939
Stalin had become paranoid about his rule, and began to find all who opposed him and eradicated them from the Soviet Union. Family members were kidnapped in the night, tortured and killed. Many were made to stand in show trials to reaffirm the confidence the citizens had in Stalin. The Holodomor can be considered a purge, as Stalin resented the Kulaks for not following his word. Stalin took away the peoples basic rights and freedoms, so he could feel safe as ruler.
Russo-German Non-Aggression Pact - 23 August 1939
Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union met and signed the Russo-German Non-Aggression Pact, which guaranteed that the two countries would not attack each other. It was in Germany's self interest to sign this pact so they could avoid having to fight a two-front war during World War II. The pact was broken when Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union less than two years later, on June 22, 1941.
Stalin Dies - 5 March 1953
At 73, Stalin died of a Cerebral Hemorrhage. Although he cause the deaths of millions of people, many people wept for him. As he was the father of their country and helped them win WWII. His body was put in display at the Hall of Columns, its estimated that in the throngs of people wanting a glimpse of him, 500 people were trampled to death.
The Warsaw Pact - 14 May 1955
This was a mutual defense treaty between the 8 communist states of Europe. It was signed that, incase of an attack by the Western Bloc powers, the 8 states would work together to prevent it. These were now called buffer states, it would help keep the damage and war out of Russia itself. This choice was greatly in Russia's collective interest.