War Communism 1918-1921 Flashcards
What were the goals of war communism?
- Centralize control to win the war.
- Transition rapidly to a socialist economy.
- Dismantle capitalism and private property.
What were the key policies of war communism?
Grain Requisitioning: forced seizure of peasant grain without payment. Led to famine (1921–22) and peasant revolts (e.g. Tambov Rebellion).
Nationalization of Industry: all factories placed under state control; workers managed by Bolshevik-appointed committees. Industrial output collapsed (by 1921, production was 20% of pre-war levels).
Abolition of Money: hyperinflation made the ruble worthless; wages paid in food rations. Barter economy replaced trade.
Labor Discipline: strikes banned; militarization of labor (workers conscripted like soldiers). “Work or starve” policies enforced by Cheka.
State Monopoly on Trade: private trade criminalized; black markets flourished despite executions.
What was the impact of war communism?
Cities depopulated as workers fled to the countryside for food e.g. Petrograd’s population fell by 75% (1917–1920).
Famine (1921–22): 5 million died after drought + grain seizures.
Cannibalism reported in the Volga region.
Political Unrest: Kronstadt Rebellion (1921): Sailors (once Bolshevik allies) revolted, demanding “Soviets without Communists!”
Forced Lenin to abandon War Communism for the NEP.
Why did war communism fail?
Too Extreme: Destroyed incentives for peasants/workers.
Economic Chaos: Hyperinflation, shortages, and corruption.
Human Cost: Millions dead from famine and repression.
What was Lenin’s justification?
“A temporary measure to defeat the Whites and foreign invaders.”
Later admitted it was a mistake, calling it a “retreat” before the NEP.
What does Orlando Figes state?
“War Communism was not policy—it was desperation.”
