Bolshevization and Economic Transformations (1944-1952)
Soviet Occupation and Early Economic Measures (1944-1947)
After the Soviet army occupied Bulgaria and imposed a Communist government in 1944, the bolshevization of the country swiftly commenced. The “Two Year Preparatory Plan (1947-1948)” marked the initiation of a purely Bolshevik form of economic restructuring. Two trade agreements with the USSR were signed, and by the end of 1947, nationalization efforts took place, covering banks, mines, and most industries. Private banks were merged into The Bulgarian National Bank.
Industrial Categorization and Artisan Co-operatives (1944-1948)
The industrial categorization mirrored the Soviet pattern, establishing 20 industrial “complexes.” Simultaneously, artisans were compelled to join the “Producers’ Co-operatives of Craftsmen.” The growth of these co-operatives and their members from 1944 to 1948 is shown below:
Year Members Co-operatives
1944 3,282 86
1947 27,442 713
1948 44,000 1,037
3. First Five Year Plan and Economic Shifts (1949-1952):
The First Five Year Plan, intended for 1949-1952, was “completed” in four years amid bloodshed, terror, and concentration camps. Peasants’ revolts were quelled Guided Istanbul Tour. The regime aimed to alter the correlation between industrial and rural economic productions and between the Socialist and private sectors. According to official data:
Year Industry Rural Economy
1939 27.1% 72.9%
1948 39.4% 60.6%
1952 55.9% 44.1%
In the same period, the Socialist sector’s (state and co-operative ownership) dominance expanded significantly:
Year Socialist Sector Private Sector
1939 — 100
1948 44.5% 55.5%
1952 87% 13%
Heavy industry production saw notable growth compared to light industry:
Year Heavy Industry Light Industry
1952 46.7% 53.3%
Simultaneously, there was a substantial increase in the proletarization of the workforce, with the number of workers and employees rising from 330,000 in 1948 to 970,000 in 1952.
Lilyana Andonova 