Comparison of Russia and the USSR: history, politics and economics

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

Comparison of the USSR and Russia is not always appropriate. After all, these are two completely different states. The political and economic systems, the way of life, the development of technology and the needs of the population then and now are radically different. The people themselves have also changed. Whereas previously collectivization tendencies prevailed, now, on the contrary, the majority have become individualists. Consumer demands of people have grown significantly. All this makes the comparison of the USSR and Russia rather conditional.

Introduction

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the republics that were on its outskirts became independent states with different systems of government. The majority, like Russia, chose the market path, having had a hard time going through the transition period of the 1990s. The notable exception was Belarus, which was able to maintain the socialist system.

Under socialism and in the current (capitalist, oligarchic) system, people lived in completely different ways. Therefore, comparing these two state entities is a rather difficult task. It requires accountingvarious factors (economic, social, and so on).

History of the USSR and Russia

The formation of the USSR began with the revolution of 1905, but the Russian Empire existed until the October Revolution of 1917. During this period, the main reforms concerned the conclusion of a peace agreement and the seizure of property from the landowners with its subsequent transfer to the peasants.

Then the Civil War broke out in the country. It was called the war of "whites" against "reds". Time of action - 1918-1922. As a result, the “whites” lost without getting the necessary support. However, some outlying territories (for example, the western part of Ukraine and Belarus) ended up under the control of other states.

At first, two key figures influenced the formation of the Soviet Union: Lenin and Stalin. Each of them had their own views on what the state should become.

Officially, the agreement on the formation of the USSR was approved on December 29, 1922. After the death of Lenin, the sole rule of Joseph Stalin was established in the country, who extremely harshly suppressed any opposition.

The state played a decisive role in the economy. Private enterprises accounted for only 4.3% of the total output. Almost the entire population were peasants. At first, their life was very difficult. Lack of basic tools. The situation became especially aggravated in 1932-33, when the state needed funds for the transition to industrialization. These were hard hungry years. However, they were not in vain and gave impetus to a sharp increase in the country's GDP.and increase production.

In the early 40s, there was a rapid development of the military industry.

An important factor in the development of the Soviet Union was the widespread collectivization of agriculture. In the period 1937-38, Stalin's repressions reached their peak, during which a huge number of people were imprisoned, shot or sent to camps.

Development of the USSR economy

In the post-war years, the country's economy developed rapidly. From 1951 to 1960 the country's GDP increased 2.5 times. After that, GDP growth began to slow down gradually and stopped in the second half of the 1980s. The main driver of growth until 1960 was the system developed by Stalin.

The contribution of the USSR to world industrial production in the mid-80s reached 20%. The life of the population was highly stable and predictable. At the same time, signs of stagnation appeared. The rigidity of state regulation gradually decreased, which gave greater freedom to enterprises. The construction of multi-apartment housing has reached great development. Due to the military skewed industry, there were often problematic shortages with conventional goods.

History of Modern Russia

The beginning of the history of modern Russia was laid back in 1991. The main reformer at that time was Yegor Gaidar, and the program itself was called the shock therapy program. The basis of this program was the weakening and even the rejection of state regulation in many areas.

In 1992price liberalization and privatization began. During this period, the first oligarchs appear. Crime is rising sharply. Public institutions suffered the most from the new economic and social policy. The trade sector has grown sharply, which was associated with the flow of former public sector workers there.

The 90s are also known for the massive brain and capital flight, the fall in industrial production, the sharp rise in prices and frequent delays in wages.

Correction of the situation began during the appointment of E. M. Primakov to the post of Prime Minister. He took a course to support domestic producers and laid the foundation for further economic growth. However, by inertia, she was still in an extremely deplorable state. External debt was huge, and hydrocarbon prices were very low. However, oil, gas and weapons remained the main export commodities.

The appointment of VV Putin in 2000 to the post of president also had a positive effect. Despite the continued high dependence on hydrocarbon exports, the country's economic situation has been steadily improving for several years. Putin also developed market relations, but led a more competent management compared to his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin.

In the 2000s, the well-being of citizens grew rapidly. This was also facilitated by a sharp increase in income from the export of hydrocarbons.

The country's foreign policy has also improved. The role of Russia in the modern world has grown dramatically, although notreached the level of the Soviet Union. This is especially true for the economy. Russia easily and quickly survived the crisis of 2008-2009, but then the rate of economic growth began to decrease, and in recent years it has completely disappeared. The social sphere suffered even more.

Thus, the zero years of this century were the most successful in the history of modern Russia.

Comparison of the USSR and Russia

Despite a number of shortcomings, the socialist system is better suited for Russia than the capitalist one. This can be confirmed by the experience of Belarus.

The main differences between the USSR and today's Russia

1. Stability. At that time, people could plan their lives for many years. Not now.
2. Prices. In the USSR, they were more stable and stable. Now there is a risk of a sudden surge in inflation. In the USSR, prices for housing and communal services and tickets were much lower than now. That's why everything was relatively simpler.
3. Comparison of the industry of the USSR and Russia. In the USSR, it developed rapidly, but now it is stagnating or even degrading. In terms of the level of implementation of technical innovations, Russia is far behind the developed countries. The USSR, on the contrary, was one of the leaders in the development of industry in the world.
4. External debt. Now it is equal to half of the country's annual income. Then it was only 1/20 of its part.
5. Demographic dynamics. Then the population of the country gradually grew, and now it is declining. The share of migrants is increasing.
6. Planning. In the USSR, economic activity planning was developed. Now the decisions(especially at the regional level) are often adopted in a chaotic manner and often lead to negative results.
7. An idea, a sense of perspective. Despite the phenomena of stagnation in the USSR, people's hopes for a brighter future were higher than they are now.
8. Education, medicine. Then they were free, and the system somehow, but worked. Now these areas are full of discord.
9. Presidents. In Russia and the USSR, the only thing they have in common is the terms of government. Indeed, in terms of the length of his reign, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is not inferior to the Soviet leaders. As for comparing the presidents of Russia and the USSR, this can only be done by experienced historians.
10. Freedom of speech and freedom of life. Although the situation in this area has begun to deteriorate in recent years, so far, of course, there is more freedom than it was under the USSR.
11. Availability and quality of products and goods. The first is better now, the second better then.
12. Social stratification. This is the real problem of modern Russia. Over time, it only grows, and in the USSR it was expressed weakly.
13. Population. Recently, the level of individualization among the population of the country has sharply increased. This is manifested, in particular, in high fences in the yards and a sharp increase in the number of private cars. As a result, the ecological situation in cities has worsened.
14. USSR and Russia in the modern world. The positions of the Soviet Union in the foreign policy arena were tougher than Russia's now.

Conclusion

Thus, comparing Russia and the USSR is a rather difficult task, due to the difference in eras. However, mostcitizens are convinced that, in terms of a number of parameters and general justice, then it was better than now.