War Communism and the NEP Flashcards
In a massive summary, what stages did the Russian economy go through from 1917 to 1924?
First, a feudal economy under the Tsar
Second, an attempted planned economy - the communist dream!
Third, War Communism under the Bolsheviks (to get through the Civil War)
Fourth, the NEP - limited capitalism brought in because of the Kronstadt Mutiny
What was the communist ‘dream’ economy?
A planned economy: workers were allowed to take control of factories but the state would direct them on what to produce and set targets for them to reach.
Why was Lenin’s ‘dream’ of a planned economy impossible to achieve?
Because they were an inexperienced government that only controlled parts of the country.
What compromises did Lenin have to make?
He had to allow factories to be taken over by workers - even if they were not loyal to the Bolsheviks.
Why did Lenin have to allow factories to be taken over by workers?
Because of the ‘Decree on Workers’ Control’ from December, 1917,
What did Lenin do to try and slow down the process of workers taking control of factories?
He issued further decrees in January and April, 1918 - but many factory owners simply shut their factories down.
By August, 1918, how many factories were shut?
30% - the economy was grinding to a halt.
How did the Bolsheviks try and keep the economy going?
They nationalised the biggest industries - along with banks and railways - and gave them targets for what they should be achieving.
What happened to middle-class managers and technicians?
They were allowed to keep their jobs to make sure the newly-nationalised industries worked well. This was called ‘State Capitalism’.
Did ‘State Capitalism’work?
No. Despite nationalising industries, the economy continued to fall apart, so a newer, tougher approach was needed.
What was the newer, tougher approach the Bolsheviks took after State Capitalism started to fail?
War Communism.
What other causes were there for the Bolsheviks to introduce War Communism?
- To survive the Civil War
- War Communism was a very communist idea
- Russia lost lots of grain-producing areas due to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and needed more grain to reach the cities
- Population in the cities was collapsing as people fled to the countryside for food.
As part of War Communism, what effect did a fixed price for grain have?
Peasants didn’t want to sell at the lower price so they stored their grain, waiting for the price to improve.
What did the Bolsheviks do when the peasants started hoarding their grain?
They sent the Chekha to requisition the grain. Peasants caught hoarding grain were shot.
As part of War Communism, what effect did food rationing have?
Workers received food, middle-class people did not.
