Bolshevik initial reforms & decrees + key figures Flashcards
Explain the function of the Factory Decree/Worker’s Control. How did it appeal to the worker’s wants?
The Factory Decree was implemeneted on Novemeber 1917, granting workers the right to participate in management within industrial enterprises, aiming to include them in the administration of industry. And also set a maximum of 8-hour work days for workers. The decree reflected the Bolshevik ideals of empowering the working class in a socialist society.
What is the Peace Decree? What did it lead to?
The Peace Decree was implemented on November, 1917, Lenin witnessing the failure of Kerensky’s continuing the war demanded negotiations to begin between warring nations. This eventually led to the Brest-Litovsk Treaty to be signed in 1918, which led to vast Russian territory to be lost and 62 million people. This treaty further fuels the bolsheviks oppositions upheaval such as socialist revolutionaries, mensheviks and the whites saw it as shameful.
What is the Land Decree? What was the reason for implementing this policy?
On Nov, 1917, The Decree on Land was passed, abolishing private ownership of land, declaring it belonged to the people and facilitating the immediate redistribution of land from nobility to peasants. It was a fowardly populist decree as many peasants were already revolting against landowners since the February revolution, not only did this policy meet the wants of peasants and gained their support but also aligned with Bolshevik ideals.
Why did the Bolsheviks separate the Church from the State?
The Bolsheviks separated the Church from the state in Feb, 1918. Confiscating church lands, introducing civil marriage severing the line between Church & State. This was in line with marxist atheism and reduced their economic influence on the state.
What is the Cheka? How did it become a pivotal pillar in the Bolshevik regime?
On December 1917, the establishment of Extraordinary Commission to fight counter-revolution i.e. Cheka was passed. It’s main goal was to eliminate all acts of counter-revolution and class enemies to consolidate Bolshevik power. It was initially a small force, only consisting of 23 members, then grew massively as conscripts were forced and the head Felix Dezerzhesky promoted ruthless and brutal discipline and executions creating a fierce army of millions during the time of the Civil War.
What was the role of Lenin during the initial reforms/decrees?
Since his return to Russia in April 1917, Lenin knew he wanted to turn into a classless society, with the workers and peasants at the forefront of the nation, covered in his “April Thesis” and “State and Revolution,” covering his incentives and motivations of a marxist, egalitarian nation.
How did the Sovarkom impact the reforms/decrees?
The Sovarkom functioned as an executive branch of government, responsible for implementing decrees/policies. Had broad decision making powers, playing a central role in making Russia a socialist state. Made up of Bolsheviks, so decrees aligned with their ideaology. Solidified Bolsheviks power by passing supportive decrees- i.e. Cheka.
Who are the opposition of the Bolsheviks?
The opposition of the Bolsheviks are the liberals, leftist socialist revolutionaries, tsarists, nobility, landowners, western powers and the whites.
What was the Abolition of classes and ranks for?
The decree was passed on Nov, 1917, eliminating social hierarchies and class distinctions, emphasising the idea of a classless society.
