Assess the economic policies implemented by Lenin and Stalin.

Lenin and Stalin's economic policies were largely state-controlled, with Lenin implementing the New Economic Policy (NEP) and Stalin the Five-Year Plans.

Lenin's economic policy, the New Economic Policy (NEP), was introduced in 1921 as a response to the economic crisis caused by the civil war. It was a temporary measure that allowed a certain level of private trade, while the state maintained control over large industries. The NEP replaced the War Communism policy, which had led to a severe economic and social crisis. The NEP allowed peasants to sell their surplus produce on the open market, and small businesses were permitted to trade freely. This policy led to a significant recovery in the Russian economy, with industrial output and agricultural production increasing.

However, the NEP was not without its problems. It created a new class of wealthy peasants, known as 'NEPmen', who were resented by the poorer peasants. Furthermore, the NEP did not generate the level of industrialisation that the Soviet Union needed to become a major world power. This led to its eventual replacement by Stalin's Five-Year Plans.

Stalin's economic policies were more radical and long-term than Lenin's. In 1928, he introduced the first of his Five-Year Plans, aimed at rapid industrialisation and the collectivisation of agriculture. The state took control of all industry and set ambitious targets for production. Private enterprise was effectively abolished, and those who resisted the policies were severely punished.

The Five-Year Plans led to significant increases in industrial output. The Soviet Union was transformed from a predominantly agricultural society to a major industrial power. However, the human cost was enormous. Millions of peasants were forced off their land and many died as a result of famine or persecution. Living standards for most people were extremely low, and the working conditions were often dangerous.

In conclusion, both Lenin and Stalin implemented economic policies that were state-controlled and aimed at modernising the Soviet Union. Lenin's NEP was a temporary measure that allowed some private enterprise, while Stalin's Five-Year Plans were more radical and long-term, leading to rapid industrialisation but at a huge human cost.