A comparison of the USSR and Russia is not always appropriate. After all, these are two completely different states. The political and economic systems, lifestyle, technological development and the needs of the population then and now radically differ. People themselves have changed. Previously, collectivization tendencies prevailed, but now, on the contrary, the majority have become individualists. Significantly increased consumer demands of people. All this makes the comparison of the USSR and Russia quite arbitrary.
Introduction
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the republics on its outskirts became independent states with different governance systems. Most, like Russia, chose the market path, having survived the transitional period of the 90s. A striking exception was Belarus, which was able to preserve the socialist system.
Under socialism and in the current (capitalist, oligarchic) system, people lived in completely different ways. Therefore, comparing these two state entities is a rather difficult task. It requires consideration of various factors (economic, social, and so on).
History of the USSR and Russia
The formation of the USSR began with the revolution of 1905, but the Russian Empire existed until the October Revolution of 1917. During this period, the main reforms concerned the conclusion of a peace agreement and the seizure of property from the landlords, followed by its transfer to the peasants.
Then the country began the Civil War. It was called the “white” war against the “red”. The duration of the action is 1918-1922. As a result, the “whites” lost without receiving the necessary support. However, some border territories (for example, the western part of Ukraine and Belarus) were under the control of other states.
At first, the formation of the Soviet Union was influenced by two key figures: Lenin and Stalin. Each of them had their own views on how the formed state should become.
Officially, the agreement on the formation of the USSR was approved on December 29, 1922. After the death of Lenin, the sole rule of Joseph Stalin was established in the country, which extremely hard suppressed any opposition.
The state played a decisive role in the economy. Private enterprises accounted for only 4.3% of total output. Almost the entire population was peasants. At first, their life was very difficult. Not enough elementary tools. The situation was especially aggravated in 1932-33, when the state needed funds for the transition to industrialization. These were difficult hungry years. However, they were not wasted and gave impetus to a sharp increase in the country's GDP and an increase in production.
In the early 40s there was a rapid development of the military industry.
An important factor in the development of the Soviet Union was the widespread collectivization of agriculture. In the period 1937-38, Stalin's repressions reached their peak, in which a huge number of people were imprisoned, executed, or sent to camps.
The development of the economy of the USSR
In the postwar years, the country's economy developed rapidly. From 1951 to 1960, the country's GDP increased 2.5 times. After that, GDP growth began to slow down gradually and stopped in the second half of the 80s. The main driver of growth until 1960 was the system developed by Stalin.
The contribution of the USSR to world industrial production in the mid-80s reached 20%. The life of the population was highly stable and predictable. At the same time, signs of stagnation appeared. The rigidity of state regulation gradually decreased, which gave greater freedom to enterprises. The development of multi-unit housing has achieved great development. Due to the military imbalance of the industry with ordinary goods, there was often a problem deficit.
History of Modern Russia
The history of modern Russia began in 1991. The main reformer at that time was Yegor Gaidar, and the program itself was called the shock therapy program. The basis of this program was the weakening and even the rejection of state regulation in many areas.
In 1992, price liberalization and privatization began. During this period, the first oligarchs appear. Crime is skyrocketing. The new economic and social policies have affected budget institutions the most. The trade sector grew sharply, which was associated with the influx of former public sector employees there.
The 90s are also known for the massive outflow of minds and capital, the decline in industrial production, a sharp increase in prices and frequent delays in wages.
Correction of the situation began during the appointment of E. M. Primakov to the post of prime minister. He headed for the support of domestic producers and laid the foundation for further economic growth. Nevertheless, by inertia, she was still in an extremely deplorable state. External debt was huge, and hydrocarbon prices were very low. However, oil, gas and weapons remained the main export commodities.
The appointment of V.V. Putin in 2000 as president also had a positive effect. Despite the continued high dependence on hydrocarbon exports, the country's economic situation has been steadily improving for several years. Putin also developed market relations, but led better management than his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin.
In the zero years, the welfare of citizens grew rapidly. This was facilitated by the sharp increase in hydrocarbon export revenues.
The country's foreign policy has also improved. The role of Russia in the modern world has grown sharply, although it has not reached the level of the Soviet Union. This is especially true for the economy. Russia easily and quickly survived the crisis of 2008-2009, but then the growth rate of the economy began to decline, and in recent years it has completely disappeared. The social sphere has suffered even more.
Thus, the most successful in the history of modern Russia were the zero years of this century.
Comparison of the USSR and Russia
Despite a number of shortcomings, the socialist system is better suited for Russia than the capitalist one. The experience of Belarus can be a confirmation of this.
The main differences between the USSR and present-day Russia
- Stability. At that time, people could plan their lives for many years. Not now.
- Prices. In the USSR, they were more stable and stable. Now there is a risk of a sudden surge in inflation. In the USSR, prices for utilities and tickets were much lower than now. Therefore, everything was relatively simpler.
- Comparison of industry of the USSR and Russia. In the USSR, it developed rapidly, and now it is stagnating or even degrading. In terms of the introduction of technical innovations, Russia is far behind developed countries. The USSR, by contrast, was one of the leaders in the development of industry in the world.
- External debt. Now it is equal to half the country's annual income. Then it was only 1/20 of its part.
- Demographic dynamics. Then the country's population was gradually growing, but now it is decreasing. The proportion of migrants is increasing.
- Planning. In the USSR, business planning was developed. Now decisions (especially at the regional level) are often made randomly and often lead to negative results.
- Idea, a sense of perspective. Despite the phenomena of stagnation in the USSR, people had higher hopes for a brighter future than they are now.
- Education, medicine. Then they were free, and the system somehow, but worked. Now in these areas is complete discord.
- Presidents. In Russia and the USSR, the common between them is only in terms of rule. Indeed, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is not inferior to the Soviet leaders in the duration of the reign. As for the comparison of the presidents of Russia and the USSR, this can only be done by experienced historians.
- Freedom of speech and freedom of life. Although the situation in this area has begun to deteriorate in recent years, so far there has, of course, been more freedom than there was under the USSR.
- Availability and quality of products and goods. With the first it’s better now, with the second - then.
- Social stratification. This is a real misfortune of modern Russia. Over time, it only grows, and in the USSR it was weakly expressed.
- Population. Recently, among the country's population, the level of individualization has sharply increased. This is manifested, in particular, in high fences in the yards and a sharp increase in the number of personal cars. As a result, the environmental situation in cities has worsened.
- USSR and Russia in the modern world. The positions of the Soviet Union in the foreign policy arena were tougher than now in Russia.
Conclusion
Thus, comparing Russia and the USSR is a rather difficult task, which is connected with the difference in eras. However, most citizens are convinced that, according to a number of parameters and general justice, it was better then than now.