Soviet Economic Development Since 1917

THIS is the first volume, time period 1917-1930, of an empirical study of the relationship between Western technology, entrepreneurship and the economic growth of the Soviet Union. By far the most significant factor in the development of the Soviet economy has been its absorption of Western technology and skills. The continuing transfer of skills and technology to the Soviet Union through the medium of foreign firms and engineers in the period 1917 to 1930 can only be characterized as extraordinary.

This book provides a comprehensive survey of Soviet economic development from 1917 to 1965 in the context of the pre-revolutionary economy. In these years the Soviet Union negotiated the first stages of modern industrialisation and then, after the defeat of Nazi Germany and its allies, emerged as one of the two world superpowers. This was also the first attempt to construct a planned socialist order. These developments resulted in great economic achievements at great human cost. Using the results of recent Russian and Western research, Professor Davies discusses the inherent faults and strengths of the system, and pays particular attention to the major controversies. Was the Russian Revolution doomed to failure from the outset? Could the mixed economy of the 1920s have led to a democratic socialist economy? What was the influence of Soviet economic development on the rest of the world?

Study in historical perspective of developments in economic policy in the USSR - covers economic structures and economic administration prior to and during the 1st world war, the position during the 50 years of the communist regime, political leadership of the country, the collective economy, industrialization, political problems, economic growth, etc. Bibliography pp. 389 to 391, and statistical tables.

General study of the economy of the USSR during the period from 1917 to 1965 - gives historical background, and covers geographical aspects, political aspects, aspects of ownership, the soviet economic theory, economic growth, industrial development, agriculture, economic planning, economic policy, economic administration, entrepreneurship, fiscal policy, price policy, economic relations, the problem of decentralization, etc. References and statistical tables.