War Communism Flashcards
What was war communism?
the political and economic system adopted by the Bolsheviks during the Civil War in order to keep the towns and the Red Army provided with food and weapons
How did the Bolsheviks decide to treat the economy?
as if it were a single enterprise geared towards the best use of Russia’s productive capacity
Why did Bolsheviks prefer War Communism over market forces of a capitalist economy?
this stopped the worrying of individual interests of managers and workers which constantly changed
Under who’s direction were areas of Bolshevik control geared for the war effort?
the Veshenka’s (the Supreme Council of the National economy
Which industries were essential to Bolshevik survival?
heavy industries
What were the 3 main features of war communism between 1918-1921?
- Prodrazvyorstka, requisitioning
- Nationalisation
- Labour discipline and rationing
What did the Prodrazvyorstka, requisitioning build on?
the ‘socialism of land’ decree of February 1918
When was the socialism of land decree which Prodrazvyorstka, requisitioning built on?
February 1918
What was set up to organise the socialisation of land decree February 1918 of requisitioning?
a Food Supplies Dictatorship in May 1918
When was the Food Supplied Dictatorship which organised grain requisitioning built open the socialisation of land decree February 1918 set up?
May 1918
What was collective farming and was this successful in gaining the support from peasants?
- a number of farmers would be worked by a community under the supervision of the State
- only a minority of households complied
Who often took more requisitioned produce from the peasants? (3)
-detachments of soldiers, Cheka, and workers from large towns
What did the detachments of soldiers, Cheka and workers from large towns offer in return for requisitioned produce from the peasants?
inadequate vouchers to be exchanged at a later date rather than money
Which peasants were the worst hit?
the ‘grasping fists’- the kulaks
Who were kulaks
Russian peasants wealthy enough to own a farm and hire labour
What were kulaks named?
‘enemies of the people’
How were people who informed soldiers of people hiding grain praised?
they were given half of any grain discovered
How did peasants respond to grain requisitioning- Prodrazvyorstka?
- they grew less
- murdered some members of requisitioning units
