Lenin's Decrees

Question 1

Workers Control Decree

Answer 1

• Nov 1917
• Factory Committees are given the right to control production and “supervise” management
• Maximum eight-hour day established
• Unemployment and sickness benefits are introduced

Question 2

Rights of the People of Russia

Answer 2

• Many national groups wanted independence from Russia (eg. Ukraine and Finland)
• Gives the right of self-determination to many minorities within the Russian Empire
• “Paper measure” - Lenin has very little control over these areas anyway
• Abolishes titles and class ranks - everyone is now referred to as “comrade” (similar to the Military Decree)

Question 3

Bank Decree

Answer 3

• Dec 1917

- Nationalises banks and ends the private flow of the capital

Question 4

Military Decree

Answer 4

• Removes class ranks, saluting and military decorations from the army
• Control of the army is placed under soldiers’ Soviets, which would elect officers

Question 5

Decrees on the Church

Answer 5

• Gives women the right to divorce
• All private Church land is nationalised
• Control over marriage and divorce is removed from the Church’s power

Question 6

Decree to Outlaw Sex Discrimination

Answer 6

Women are given equal status to men and the right to own property