How did Russia manage to build up its heavy industry?

Question

It was a poor nation isn't it during after the civil war? Any info is most welcome.

Answer 1

Do you mean before the revolutions, or after? Since the 1905 defeat by the Japanese, Nicholas' government had been attempting with some success to build heavy industry in his largely agricultural nation. The workers in his factories, particularly in St Petersburg, bore the brunt of this, and probably, aside from the soldiers actually on the front lines, suffered most from Russia's participation in the Great War.

Stalin's industrialization efforts during the late 20s and 30s were both more successful and more ruthless. Many millions of Ukrainians and White Russians starved to death, as all facilities and resources were directed toward heavy industry, mostly military.

Answer 2

Russia built up it's heavy industry through planning and coercion by Stalin and the Communist Party from the 1930s to the 1950s.