Final answer:
The concentration on heavy industry in the Soviet Union was essential for rapid modernization and military strength, particularly during World War II, where the strategic industrial base to the east contributed significantly to the Soviet war effort.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision to concentrate on heavy industry during the Soviet era had several significant benefits. By focusing on industries such as steel, oil, and electricity, the Soviet Union aimed to modernize its economy and reduce dependence on foreign technology and resources. The implementation of Five-Year Plans, initiated by Joseph Stalin, emphasized the rapid development of heavy industry, which led to sizable increases in industrial capacity, allowing the USSR to strengthen its military capabilities and infrastructure, significantly enhancing its standing as a modern industrial power.
During the Second World War, the decision to focus on heavy industry proved crucial. Anticipating conflict, the Soviets created an industrial base east of the Ural Mountains, which, despite initial setbacks due to the German invasion, recovered and eventually provided the necessary industrial capacity to support the war effort against the Wehrmacht. This strategic foresight allowed for the continuous production of war materials, which was a key factor in the ultimate Soviet victory.
The centralized command economy approach allowed the Soviet state to direct resources and labor according to the government's plans, bypassing market forces that would typically dictate production and distribution. This state control extended to agricultural practices as well, with collectivization designed to increase efficiency in food production and supply, although this policy also had serious negative consequences for the Soviet populace, including widespread famine).