Five-Year Plans
Five-Year Plans, method of planningeconomic growth over limited periods, through the use of quotas, used first in theSoviet Union and later in other socialist states. In the Soviet Union, the first Five-Year Plan (1928–32),implemented byJoseph Stalin, concentrated on developing heavy industry and collectivizing agriculture, at the cost of a drastic fall in consumer goods. The second plan (1933–37) continued the objectives of the first. Collectivization led to terrible famines, especially in the Ukraine, that caused the deaths of millions. The third (1938–42) emphasized the production of armaments. The fourth (1946–53) again stressed heavy industry and military buildup, angering the Western powers. InChina, the first Five-Year Plan (1953–57) stressed rapid industrial development, with Soviet assistance; it proved highly successful. Shortly after the second plan began in 1958, theGreat Leap Forward was announced; its goals conflicted with the five-year plan, leading to failure and the withdrawal of Soviet aid in 1960.
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Hungary: Economic developments…plan was succeeded by a five-year plan, the aim of which was to turn Hungary into a predominantly industrial country, with an emphasis on heavy industry. Huge sums were devoted to the construction of foundries and factories, many of them planned with little regard for Hungary’s real resources and less…
Saudi Arabia: Economy…directed through a series of five-year plans. The first two five-year plans (1970–75 and 1976–80) established most of the country’s basic transport and communications facilities. Subsequent plans sought to diversify the economy; to increase domestic food production; to improve education, vocational training, and health services; and to further improve communications…
Albania: Economy…economy through a series of five-year plans. All means of production were under state control, agriculture was fully collectivized, industry was nationalized, and private enterprise was strictly forbidden. In addition, a provision of the constitution prohibited the government from seeking foreign aid, accepting loans, or allowing foreign investment, which contributed…
economic planning: Origins of planning…Development Council to draft a five-year economic plan that would emphasize much more rapid economic growth. The Netherlands, which had been very successful since the war in achieving balanced economic growth, initiated five-year plans in 1963 through the medium of the Central Planning Bureau, which had for some years been…- Planning Commission…chiefly through the formulation of five-year plans. The commission’s original mandate was to raise the standard of living of ordinary Indians by efficiently exploiting the country’s material and human resources, boosting production, and creating employment opportunities for all. It is today responsible for periodically assessing the country’s resources; developing five-year…
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