War Communism

Definition

War Communism was an economic and political system that existed in Soviet Russia from 1918 to 1921, implemented by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War. This policy aimed to centralize control over the economy, eliminate private enterprise, and ensure the Red Army was supplied with necessary resources. It was characterized by the nationalization of industry, forced requisition of agricultural products from peasants, and strict regulation of labor and distribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. War Communism was implemented primarily as a response to economic collapse and military needs during the Russian Civil War.
2. Under War Communism, all major industries were nationalized, and private businesses were effectively abolished.
3. The policy included the forced grain requisitioning from peasants, which often led to resistance and famine in rural areas.
4. War Communism caused significant economic hardship, resulting in widespread discontent and contributing to the eventual introduction of the New Economic Policy.
5. The period of War Communism saw harsh measures taken against dissent, including the use of state violence to suppress opposition.

Review Questions

• How did War Communism reflect the Bolsheviks' ideological beliefs and their goals during the Russian Civil War?
  • War Communism was a direct reflection of the Bolsheviks' commitment to establishing a socialist state through centralized control over the economy. The policy aimed to dismantle capitalism and promote collective ownership, aligning with Marxist principles. By implementing strict measures like nationalization and requisitioning, the Bolsheviks sought to ensure that resources were directed towards supporting the Red Army in their fight against anti-Bolshevik forces during the Civil War.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of War Communism in achieving its goals during its implementation between 1918 and 1921.
  • While War Communism succeeded in supplying the Red Army with essential resources during critical battles, it ultimately proved ineffective in maintaining economic stability or securing popular support. The harsh requisition policies led to widespread peasant resentment and decreased agricultural output, contributing to famine. The overall economic collapse necessitated a reevaluation of Bolshevik strategies, resulting in the introduction of the New Economic Policy as a more flexible approach to recovery.
• Discuss how War Communism set the stage for subsequent economic policies in Soviet Russia and its long-term implications for future governance.
  • War Communism laid important groundwork for understanding both the challenges and necessities faced by Bolshevik leadership in managing a post-revolutionary state. The severe economic difficulties highlighted the need for adaptation, leading to the implementation of the New Economic Policy which reintroduced limited market practices. This shift indicated an ongoing tension within Soviet governance between ideological purity and practical economic management, which would continue to influence policies under subsequent leaders and shape Soviet society well into the future.

Related terms

Bolshevik Revolution: The 1917 revolution that led to the overthrow of the Provisional Government in Russia and established Bolshevik control, paving the way for War Communism.

New Economic Policy (NEP): A policy introduced by Lenin in 1921 that replaced War Communism with a more market-oriented economy, allowing some private enterprise to stimulate recovery.

Red Army: The military force organized by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War, crucial for defending the revolution and enforcing War Communism.