The USSR’s war economy was far from perfect; however, when war broke out it was more prepared for it than both Britain and Frances. This economic progress was due to the first two five year plans. The Nazi’s were unable to produce as much on a big enough scale to defeat the USSR. Other reasons also played a part in victory for the USSR during WW2. Such as the German tactical mistakes and the alliances the USSR had.
The Soviet economy used similar methods to fight the war as it had during the Five-Year plans. There were some innovations though. In the early days of war, Stalin initiated a new policy of relocating the industry so that it would not fall into enemy hands. By November 1941 1523 factories had been taken apart and moved in Eastern regions of Russia. Central planning was also effective during WW2 as by 1942, 56% of the USSR’s national income was devoted to the war; this was a much high figure in comparison than Britain, Germany and America. The production of armament almost doubled between the year of 1941 and 1944, this was remarkable achievement to say a large amount of Russian territory was in German hands already.
At the start of the war, Germany looked like an unstoppable force. Hitler’s ability to actually guide the war seemed inadequate as he rose to power and this led to failures. His decision to declare war on the USSR whilst already fighting a war against Britain was risky. Germany also launched an offence called Operation Barbarossa, which was launched later than anticipated which resulted in Germany being unable to reach Moscow before the Russian winter; they were unprepared for the conditions that faced them. Additionally, Hitler decided the lay Leningrad and Moscow under siege, instead of taking them by force, which prolonged the war which gave the USSR time to develop a counter offence which was successful. Finally, Hitler sent troops to