Assess the reasons for the success of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945. Concepts that should be considered include Industrialization, modernization and nationalism.
Many contributing factors led the success of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War between 1941 to 1945. A primary reason for this triumph was the nationalistic determination of the people under Stalin's leadership. The USSR's centralized industrialization and rapid mobilization held a key role in Soviet victory and was a secondary factor to Soviet success. It was the battle of Stalingrad that demonstrated the strength of the Soviet Union as it was to signal the turning point of the war for Russia.
The mobilization of the Soviet economy, which resulted after Stalin's speech to the nation on 3 July 1941, was a secondary factor leading to the success of the Great Patriotic War, between Russia and Germany. Industrialization, which had taken place prior to then, provided a substantial industrial base. Due to this previous preparation, the command economy and the Stalinist system enabled the USSR to mobilize quickly and efficiently under the co-ordination of the State Defense committee (GKO) in response to the war. Away from conflict, the Urals area was developed into a heavy industrial complex to concentrate on the production of war materials. Industrial production thrived as Soviet women replaced men, who were drafted into the Red army. Civilian production was now transformed into military production. Gill claimed the USSR out produced the Germans and provided weapons of higher quality. By 1941 production was 70 times greater than 1928. Even under attack, the Soviets were able to mass-produce munitions as another 1,523 defense industries were shifted to safer territory in the east of Russia which "played a vital role in the war effort" (Christian). The industrialization and modernization processes during the late 20...