The Historical Contribution of the October Revolution to the Economic and Social Development of the Soviet Union—Analysis of the Soviet Economic Model and the Causes of Its Dramatic End

Written in response to a range of problems and debates, this paper
provides an objective evaluation of the various stages in the
economic development of the Soviet Union, as well as of the
causes behind the dramatic changes experienced as that
development proceeded. The paper thus explains the historical
significance of the October Revolution for the economic and
social development of the Soviet Union. The analysis begins with
studies of War Communism and of the New Economic Policy as
correct choices necessitated by their historical contexts. Then
follows an examination of the road of socialist construction as
opened up by the October Revolution. The achievements
recorded along this road are held to have been greater than the
mistakes committed. The paper concludes by pointing out three
major causes that in the view of the author led to the collapse of
the Soviet Union. These causes were at a basic level, long-term
confusion in the field of theory and ideas; as a key factor,
organizational and policy mistakes over an extended period; and
as the fatal blow and immediate cause, the political betrayal
represented by “perestroika and new thinking.”