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How were the economy and social legislation in the early Soviet state different from the situation under Stalin’s rule? How were they the same?

a. Economic similarities; social differences
b. Economic differences; social similarities
c. Both economic and social similarities
d. Both economic and social differences

User Ssube
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Final answer:

The early Soviet state and Stalin's rule experienced both economic and social differences. Economically, Stalin's first Five-Year Plan and forced collectivization marked a shift from the initial period's struggle. Socially, Stalin's era was more repressive compared to the relative openness of the early Soviet state.

Step-by-step explanation:

Economic and Social Changes in the Early Soviet State vs. Stalin's Rule

The economy and social legislation in the early Soviet state differed significantly from the situation under Stalin's rule. In the early years, the Soviet Union was facing several challenges transitioning from the old Tsarist system to a socialist state. However, under Stalin, the economy and society experienced profound transformations.

Economic differences are marked by the first Five-Year Plan initiated by Stalin, which aimed to rapidly industrialize the Soviet Union. This plan was drastically different from the earlier period, where the economy was still struggling to find its direction post-revolution. The Plan succeeded in achieving full employment and economic growth, contrasting with Western countries suffering from the Great Depression. Stalin's policies of forced collectivization were also a departure from earlier approaches, leading to increased agricultural production at the cost of significant social turmoil and human suffering.

Socially, the early Soviet state was experimenting with various forms of social legislation, which varied across the different leaderships and policies preceding Stalin. Once Stalin came to power, he implemented stricter controls, resulting in a repressive regime that often concealed its oppressive nature. The gulags and processes of dekulakization under Stalin signify a radical departure from the relative openness of the early Soviet years.

Considering this analysis, the answer to the question of how the economy and social legislation in the early Soviet state were different from the situation under Stalin's rule, and how they were the same, is d. Both economic and social differences.

User Shiladitya Bose
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