Militarization of the Russian Economy in the Context of Global Conflicts: Experience of the First World War and the Great Patriotic War

The economy in the 20th century is noted to have become a crucial component of warfare. The experience gained by Russia in implementing economic militarization during the First World War is examined, highlighting its impact on the efficiency of army supply, conduct of military operations, and the overall outcome of the war. A comparative analysis of militarization during the First World War and the Great Patriotic War demonstrates that militarization was a key factor and a guarantee of victory in the 1941–1945 war. The main sectors affected by militarization are explored, including economic management, industry, agriculture, labor resources, and the financial sphere. When comparing decision-making processes during economic militarization, several similarities and differences are identified, leading to the conclusion that, despite economic distortions and the overstretching of internal resources and the home front, successful militarization during the Great Patriotic War contributed to victory and strengthened the USSR’s position on the global stage.

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