Introduction
My report contains information about the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the country’s political and economic indicators, as well as interaction with China. Also, significant conflicts and foreign policy are analyzed to obtain a comprehensive picture. To compile a report, the basic facts about China and the USSR are taken as a basis, and in accordance with the data presented, the development prospects will be considered.
The Economic Development of the USSR in the Postwar Years
After the end of World War II, the USSR acquired the status of one of the leading world powers and led a specific world block promoting the ideas of socialism. In the social life of the country, there was an emotional upheaval associated with the victory in the war. At the same time, the totalitarian system continued to strengthen, and the main task of the postwar period was the restoration of the destroyed economy.
Joseph Stalin, who was the leader of the USSR, refused to borrow loans after the war, seeking to revive the country with the help of internal resources. The policy of demilitarizing the economy and modernizing the military-industrial complex has become key. The heavy industry was declared the priority area, and such spheres as engineering, metallurgy, and the fuel and energy complex were primarily supported.
By 1948, production reached the pre-war level due to a number of factors. In particular, they were the increased labor of the Soviet people and the free work of the Gulag’s prisoners. Also, such activities deserve attention as the redistribution of funds in favor of heavy industry, the transfer of money from the agricultural sector, the raising of funds from Germany’s reparations, and tough economic planning.
It is worth noting that in 1945, the gross agricultural output of the USSR was 60% of the pre-war level, and the government tried to bring this industry out of the crisis by punitive measures. The policy of repression strengthened, and the massive persecution of those who disagreed with the state work plan was supported. Nevertheless, numerous reforms were ineffective, and only by the 50-s, the country had managed to reach the pre-war level of agricultural production.
After the death of Stalin in 1953, the policy of the new leader, Khrushchev, became more loyal to the population and the course towards the development of socialism. However, the country’s foreign policy was quite aggressive, which ultimately led to a significant division of opinions between the two leading blocs – the communist and capitalist. Strengthening the country’s economy made it possible to achieve a number of benefits, in particular, addressing the issue of pensions and increasing the incomes of the population. The beginning of Khrushchev’s rule was marked by the exposure of the Stalinist system’s crimes, and the population discovered the consequences of totalitarianism. Due to these factors, a new stage of the political and economic life of the country began.
China’s Internal Issues
After the end of World War II, China also suffered significantly from the Japanese bombing. Being in second place after the USSR in terms of the number of victims, the People’s Republic of China counted on the help of the Soviet republic not only in politics but also in other areas: military, economic, ideological, and social. Stalin’s authority was substantial, and Mao Zedong was ready to support the socialist movement promoted by the Soviet leader. As a result, agreements were signed between the USSR and China, establishing friendly relations between the two powers. Stalin supported our country, hoping that his instructions would be carried out without question.
However, during the life of Stalin, differences arose in relations between the PRC and the USSR. The Soviet government violated the principle of equality between the two socialist states. After Stalin’s death, Mao Zedong managed to stop various instructions regarding China’s domestic policy, and today, our country has an opportunity to develop independently, establishing contacts with other states.
One of the existing contradictions in the evaluation of the Soviet experience of socialist construction. Khrushchev considers it universal and criticizes Chinese experiments sharply, thereby straining interaction. As ideological relations between China and the USSR sharpen, interstate relations are deteriorating day by day.
The outlined split between our country and the USSR can cause a significant deterioration in relations and partnerships. Nevertheless, it is likely that the further situation may worsen; therefore, China needs to strengthen its free economic position by establishing essential contacts with other powerful powers. In the light of these events, the rapprochement of the PRC with the United States can be considered a form of struggle against the USSR.
In case of help from Moscow ceases, which is likely enough, our government will have to take measures in order to prevent political provocations and intra-state split. Using the example of the Korean War of 1950–1953, we know that a split within a country is fraught with serious consequences for the well-being of its inhabitants. Therefore, under the conditions of the current situation, the course towards strengthening the independent Chinese economy is essential and one of the priority directions of the state’s development.
Implications of the Conflict
The ambitions of the Chinese government and the desire for sovereignty are regarded by the USSR negatively; therefore, further cooperation with Moscow can be difficult substantially. Despite the agreements concluded, it is likely that the Soviet authorities will decide to stop helping our country and to isolate it. In this regard, strengthening border controls is desirable to prevent possible provocative actions by the USSR. Although trusting relationships are established, our leader, Mao Zedong, argues that the position on the final goal remains the same – to build a communist society that will not depend on external economic and political differences.
The Soviet government possibly sees the enemy in the eyes of the PRC. Therefore, in order to protect our country and its inhabitants from the threat of further conflicts, joining any coalitions and alliances is undesirable. Based on the preceding, it can be noted that the current stage of Chinese development corresponds with the course presented by Mao Zedong and is approved by people, which is the indicator of the correctly chosen policy of the internal organization.
Conclusion
China largely adopted the course of the USSR’s development regarding the political and internal economic features of the post-war structure. Nevertheless, despite friendly relations, significant differences and divisions in the interests appeared. Today, the Chinese authorities show a bold and confident attitude towards maintaining the independence of the country and its interests. Strengthening the economy and preserving the ideas proposed by Mao Zedong are priority areas, and through joint efforts, the PRC can achieve a high level of prosperity due to clear and positive goals.