Forging the Soviet Self
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The period of 1929-1941 was a period of dramatic change for Soviet Russia . Under Stalin, a massive overhaul of the country was conducted. Changes were made in almost all aspects of life and the effect on Soviet society was all pervasive. The result was as much cultural as it was economic. It was Stalin's aim to have the Soviet Union catch up to the western powers in an extremely rapid series of five year plans. These plans involved a massive industrialisation program and the collectivisation of farms in order to boost the backward Soviet economy. In addition the state became the chief and sole manager of the economy . These changes had a marked effect on Soviet society. A new Soviet culture was promulgated by the state; a forward looking and pro-modern culture was imposed to have the people's attitudes match the ambitions of the state. This period changed the face of the Soviet Union and thus forged a new Soviet self...