The Five-Year Plans had several specific objectives:
1. Industrialization: The primary goal of the Five-Year Plans was to accelerate the industrialization of the Soviet Union. This involved developing heavy industries such as steel, iron, coal, and machinery. The Soviet government aimed to increase production capacity and self-sufficiency in key industrial sectors.
2. Collectivization of Agriculture: The Five-Year Plans also focused on collectivizing agriculture, moving away from individual peasant farming towards large-scale collective farming (kolkhozes) and state farms (sovkhozes). This aimed to increase agricultural productivity and provide a steady food supply for the growing urban population and the industrial workforce.
3. Economic Growth: The Five-Year Plans set ambitious economic growth targets. They aimed to increase the output of various industries and sectors by specific percentages within a five-year period. The plans outlined goals for increasing production of goods such as steel, coal, electricity, and agricultural products.
4. Infrastructure Development: The Five-Year Plans emphasized the development of infrastructure, including transportation networks (railways, roads), communication systems, and energy infrastructure. These investments were essential to support industrialization and agricultural growth.
5. Central Planning: The Five-Year Plans were based on central planning, where the government determined the production targets, resource allocations, and investment priorities for different industries and sectors. The plans directed the economy and coordinated production across various industries and regions.
The Five-Year Plans represented a significant shift in Soviet economic policy, and they had a profound impact on the development of the country. While they achieved impressive industrial growth and progress in certain sectors, they also faced challenges, including resource constraints, inefficiencies, and social and economic dislocations due to rapid changes.