Challenge: War Communism

Question 1

War Communism began when?

Answer 1

June 1918

Question 2

Reasons for the collapse of industry (2)

Answer 2

1) Workers that took over factories could not match the output of the old managerial class
2) Civil War caused shortages of raw materials

Question 3

Rationing of food

Answer 3

In February 1918, food rations had been cut to 50g per person per day

Question 4

Effects of food shortages in the city stats (2)

Answer 4

1) Influx of urban-rural migration
2) By 1920, Petrograd’s population had dropped by 70%

Question 5

Decree on the nationalisation of factories

Answer 5

28 June 1918

Question 6

Output as a result of War Communism stats (2)

Answer 6

1) Industrial output fell to 14% of pre-revolution levels
2) Agricultural output fell to 60% of pre-revolution levels

Question 7

Famine of 1921 implications

Answer 7

9.5 million of the 10 million dead were either from starvation or disease

Question 8

Black market trading statistic

Answer 8

In 1918-1919, black market trading supplied up to 60% of food needed in the cities

Question 9

Decree on Food Procurement

Answer 9

13 May 1918

Question 10

Terry Fiehn - War Communism as a way towards socialism

Answer 10

‘For Lenin, it was an extension of class warfare and no different from the waging of the Civil War against external enemies’