Five-Year Plans (Soviet Union)

The Five-Year Plans in the Soviet Union were large, government-led economic initiatives aimed at rapidly developing industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. Starting in 1928, these plans set specific goals for production and resource allocation, focusing on modernizing the economy to strengthen the state. They involved significant central planning, often requiring collectivization of farms and increased factory output. While they accelerated industrial growth and transformed the USSR into a major power, they also caused hardships such as shortages, forced labor, and environmental issues. Overall, the Five-Year Plans were a key strategy for achieving rapid economic and industrial development under Soviet leadership.