2.4 Economic and Social Change 1918-1924 Flashcards
What was ‘State Capitalism’?
The communists nationalised the biggest industries - along with banks and railways - and gave them targets for what they should be achieving. Middle class managers and technicians were allowed to stay on in their old jobs to make sure the newly nationalised businesses were run efficiently.
Why was ‘War Communism’ introduced?
When the economy continued to fall apart, a new and tougher approach was adopted - this would later be described as ‘War Communism’.
What was the main reason for the implementation of ‘War Communism’?
Russia was drifiting into Civil War; and if the communists did not get control of the industry and the food supply, they would lose. Workers had to carry on producing goods - and the Red Army needed food.
How did the government end all links to capitalism?
They abolished money, the free market and getting rid of social classes - though the distinction between workers and peasants would remain.
How did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk affect grain production?
Russia lost important grain-producing areas in Ukraine because of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Other agricultural areas were controlled by White armies. Less and less food was reaching the cities. Consequently, the population in the cities collapsed as thousands went to live with their relatives in the countryside, where it was easier to get hold of food.
What was labour conscription and its consequences?
People were forced to work as directed by the government. There was strict discipline for workers and this meant that workers’ rights were reduced. Strikes became illegal and strikers could be shot. Trade unions were taken over by the Communist Party.
What effect did free public transport have on workers?
They could get to work more easily.
What were the consequences of food rationing?
How much people recieved depended on what job they did. People in jobs that were central to winning the war had the best rations.
What was the result of housing redistribution?
Living space became more equal, and the government had more control over it. Communist Party officials decided who would get a home. These were often spaces in a barracks or a shared flat.
Why were the Cheka sent to the countryside to requistion?
After the governenment announced that a fixed price would be paid for grain to keep costs down, this angered the peasants who didnt want to sell at the lower price, so they hung onto their grain and waited for the price to improve. The Cheka, and groups of workers, were sent to the countryside to requisition grain from the peasants. Peasants thought to be hoarding grain were shot.
What were the effects of industries becoming nationalised?
There was an increase of government control and workers’ factory committees were abolished. Bourgeois specialists’ were employed as managers. They did not have to be communists as long as they followed governement order.
What substititued money after its abolishment?
The government paid people in kind however money continued to be used in areas that the communist did not fully control. In places like these, inflation ran out of control and prices leapt up.
Why had ‘War Communism’ failed?
By 1921, Russia was facing ecomomic collapse: Peasants were destroying their crops, rather than see them being seized by the communists. There were widespread shortages of food and consumer goods and in many country areas there was famine.
What political crisis did ‘War Communism’ lead to?
In Tambov Province there was a huge peasant uprising from 1920-1921.
Why were the Communist Party shocked by the Kronstadt Mutiny?
The Kronstadt naval base had guarded Petrograd and its sailors fought in the February Revolution, the July Days and the October Revolution so it was a shock, therefore, to senior Bolsheviks when the Kronstadt sailors rebelled against the soviet government.
