Under Stalin's leadership, the Soviet government launches a command economy, industrialization of the largely rural country, and collectivization of its agriculture.

During this period of rapid economic and social change, millions of people are sent to penal labor camps, including many political convicts for their suspected or real opposition to Stalin's rule; and millions are deported and exiled to remote areas of the Soviet Union.

The transitional disorganization of the country's agriculture, combined with the harsh state policies and a drought, lead to the Soviet famine of 1932–1933; which kills up to 8.7 million.

The Soviet Union, ultimately, makes the costly transformation from a largely agrarian economy to a major industrial powerhouse within a short span of time.