Soviet sources of the economic policy in Poland in 1947–1956

Abstract

The economic policy implemented in Poland between 1947 and 1956 emulated its Soviet equivalent, as it was constrained to do. Along with other countries which had fallen into the Soviet sphere of influence, Poland became part of a larger economic organism controlled by Moscow. As the so-called Cold War and arms race intensified, Poland became engaged in arming the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc countries. This resulted in intensive industrialization and militarization of the Polish economy. However, that particular direction of economic development brought about a decline in the standard of living in Poland.