War Communism Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is War Communism?

Also known as military Communism, was the economic and political system that existed in Soviet Russia during the Russian Civil War, from 1918 to 1921.

Who used War Communism and why?

The Bolsheviks used War Communism to keep towns and the Red Army stocked with food and weapons due to the disruption caused by the ongoing war.

Who enforced War Communism?

The Supreme Economic Council, known as the Vesenkha, enforced War Communism.

What were the policies of War Communism? (Select all that apply)

Nationalization of all industries Signup and view all the answers

How did areas of Russia outside of Bolshevik control function during this time period?

They often had to act on their own due to poor communications and lack of coordination from Moscow. Signup and view all the answers

What could War Communism also represent?

It has long been debated whether War Communism represented an actual economic policy or merely measures to win the Civil War. Signup and view all the answers

What was one goal of the Bolsheviks in implementing War Communism?

To win the war. Signup and view all the answers

What did some Bolsheviks believe was the goal of War Communism?

That it was a transitional step towards socialism. Signup and view all the answers

What do philosophers believe was the goal of War Communism?

To eliminate private property, commodity production, and market exchange to implement communist economics. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of War Communism in the military?

It was largely successful at aiding the Red Army in halting the advance of the White Army. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of War Communism in cities surrounding the countryside?

The population experienced hardships, and workers began migrating to the countryside for better food options. Signup and view all the answers

How did workers respond to War Communism?

There were a series of strikes and rebellions, including the Tambov rebellion and the Kronstadt rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

How was the government affected by War Communism?

The government was on the verge of being overthrown by the working class due to the crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What emerged in Russia as a result of War Communism?

A black market emerged despite the threat of martial law against profiteering. Signup and view all the answers

How was the economy affected by War Communism?

Heavy industry output fell to 20% of 1913 levels, with 90% of wages paid in goods instead of money. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

War Communism Overview

War Communism was the economic and political system in Soviet Russia from 1918 to 1921 during the Russian Civil War.
Known as military Communism, it aimed to support the Red Army and urban areas amid the war's disruptions.

Implementation and Enforcement

Bolsheviks adopted War Communism to maintain food and weapon supplies for towns and the Red Army.
The Supreme Economic Council (Vesenkha) enforced this policy, which lasted until the New Economic Policy began in March 1921.

Policies Under War Communism

All industries were nationalized, with strict central management imposed.
State control over foreign trade was established.
Worker discipline was rigid, prohibiting strikes; food and commodities were rationed and centrally distributed.
Private enterprises were banned, and railways were subject to military-style control.

Outside Bolshevik Control

Many regions remained outside Bolshevik control, leading to independent action due to poor communication.
Local areas often functioned without coordination from the central government.

Interpretation of War Communism

The term has sparked debate regarding whether it was a genuine economic policy or merely a temporary set of measures for civil war success.
Some Bolsheviks viewed it as essential for winning the war, while others saw it as a step towards socialism.

Philosophical Perspectives

Philosophers argue War Communism aimed to eliminate private property and market exchanges to establish communist economics, anticipating significant economic growth.

Military Outcomes

War Communism successfully aided the Red Army in defeating the White Army and regaining territory.

Urban and Rural Impact

Urban populations faced severe hardships, with peasants resisting food production.
Many workers migrated to rural areas for better food security, worsening urban food shortages.

Worker Reactions

Numerous strikes and peasant rebellions erupted, including significant events like the Tambov and Kronstadt rebellions.
The Kronstadt rebellion particularly shocked Lenin, as the sailors were viewed as loyal supporters.

Government Crisis

The government faced threats from the very classes it claimed to represent, as loyalty from villages, towns, and parts of the army diminished.
The crisis paralleled that of the tsarist government's challenges in 1905 and February 1917.

Emergence of the Black Market

A black market developed despite strict anti-profiteering laws; barter increasingly replaced the rouble as currency.

Economic Consequences

Industrial output dropped to 20% of pre-war levels, with 90% of worker wages paid in goods.
A large portion of locomotives required repairs, and the combined effects of war and drought severely affected food requisitioning and availability.

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Description

Explore the economic and political system of War Communism in Soviet Russia from 1918 to 1921. This quiz covers its implementation, policies, and the societal impact during the Russian Civil War. Test your knowledge on the Bolshevik strategies and the challenges they faced.