Soviet Five-Year Plans

Soviet Five-Year Plans were a series of centralized economic initiatives launched by the Soviet Union, starting in 1928, aimed at transforming the economy from agrarian to industrial. Each plan outlined specific goals for industrial production, agricultural output, and infrastructure development over five years. The first plan focused on heavy industry, while later ones included consumer goods and agriculture. These plans were characterized by state ownership and significant government control. Though they achieved rapid industrial growth, they often led to inefficiencies, a lack of consumer products, and severe social consequences, including famine and labor unrest.