The Economy of the USSR under Khrushchev 1953-64

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THE ECONOMY OF THE USSR UNDER KHRUSHCHEV 1953-64

Aims: USSR would produce more than the USA by 1970 and achieve communism by 1980.

Military spending: 1955 – 12.1%, 1958 – 9.1%, 1964 – 11%

1. Successes in Agriculture

• Reintroduced incentives for farmers by paying more for produce and lowering quotas. Lead to a 250% increase in farm income.

• 1955: 30% increase in tractor numbers and 40% increase in fertilizers.

• Investment: 1953 = 3%, 1959 = 12.8%. Mainly to fund Virgin Lands Scheme.

• Total farmland increased from 18.2 million hectares (1953), 15.3 million hectares (1956), 7.4 million hectares (1964).

• Virgin Lands Scheme: From 1953-58 grain production increased from 82.5 to 134.7 million tons, and meat production from 5.8 to 7.7 million tons. Total agricultural production increased by 35.3%.

• Greater standard of living due to more food available.

2. Failures in Agriculture

• Corn campaign: Differences in climate + low labour productivity = USSR only 50% corn of USA. More corn = less animal…

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