Beginning of 1936 was not easy for the Soviet Union. There was a lot of work to be done. Situation on international and domestic scene, was very complex. After political crisis, that briefly shook the country, the government has begun a program of stabilization of the country. Firstly, the analysis carried out. Following the analysis , the government has adopted a new strategy of development , and launched the first concrete steps. There was a lot of talk in government, and ministers discussed on several different concepts. Analyzes showed that the Soviet Union lags behind Western countries in many fields.
First, in the field of foreign policy, USSR was isolated country, with many potential enemies. Many countries viewed Soviet Union as enemy, and others cooperated with caution. Except Mongolia and Tannu Tuva, there were no allies, and very few countries has ideological similarities with USSR. Germany led the group of fascist and pro fascist countries, like Italy, Japan, Hungary and others. United Kingdom with her ally France, tried to maintain dominance in Europe and other parts of the world, especially in the western hemisphere. Only positive thing for USSR, was a division among the European powers, which grew over time.
Only Sinkiang and Tannu Tuva shared ideological similarity with USSSR, besides Comintern.
Economical cooperation with numerous countries was priority. Huge amounts of resources had to be sold. First contracts was concluded in early January 1936, with several countries. This has led to improvements in relations with many countries. Besides that, Soviet government was trying to take advantage of the divisions between Western powers.
Economics was a top priority for new Soviet government. Analysis showed, that USSR had very large industrial capacity, one of the largest in the world. Also, large quantities of various raw materials were on disposal. Resources were abundant, and therefore was largely exported. Export has led to a large influx of money in the first months of 1936. Infrastructure was decent, but some parts of the country lacked basic infrastructure. On the other hand, Soviet industry was very inefficient, compared to other major powers. Production techniques was obsolete. In this field USSR was far behind Germany, United Kingdom, USA and other western countries.
In 1936, a lot of industrial capacity was unused.
This was the main reason for USSR government, to launch new industrialization campaign. In January, construction of a large number of factories, began. First in Moscow and Soviet Russia, and northern parts of the country (especially Leningrad and surrounding area). In second phase, the factories was being built around the Urals in the Caucasus. Than in Siberia, and in final phase, in Soviet Far East. Previously commenced production of vessels, continued, besides, some opposite views on that issue. The plan was to raise more than 40 factories in four years. Equally important was the promotion of new technologies in the industry. Especially in field of industrial production and efficiency.
In the field of technology, USSR has a large potential, very good leadership and practical experience in certain spheres. But even in here, the state was behind many countries. Lag was particularly noticeable, compared to Germany. New navy and industrial technologies was secret for Soviet Union scientists. No discoveries of new military doctrines was made in two decades.
In first six months of 1936.more than 40% of research was conducted on espionage improvement.
For government, exploration of new industrial technologies, was key question. Agriculture, Industrial Production, Industrial Efficiency, Education, Supply production, and similar technologies was priorities. A lot of energy and time was invested in improvement of espionage techniques. Goal was to reduce difference between USSR an other major countries.
This was only the beginning. Even larger questions, were waiting Soviet Union. Reorganization of great Red Army, espionage war, and many other. Some events, like war in Ethiopia, was test for new foreign policy. The whole world is changing. Great trials await first country of socialism.