Decree on Land

Definition

The Decree on Land was a pivotal legislative act issued by the Bolsheviks shortly after the October Revolution in 1917, which aimed to abolish private land ownership and redistribute land to the peasants. This decree was significant in consolidating Bolshevik power by appealing to the widespread demand for land reform among the rural population. It marked a fundamental shift in property rights in Russia, aligning with the Bolshevik vision of establishing a socialist state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Decree on Land was enacted on October 26, 1917, just days after the Bolshevik takeover, reflecting their commitment to agrarian reform.
2. It effectively nullified previous land ownership laws, declaring that all land would belong to the people and be distributed among those who farmed it.
3. The decree addressed the grievances of millions of peasants who sought land reform and contributed to the broad support for the Bolshevik government.
4. Implementation of the decree often led to conflicts with landowners and resulted in violent confrontations as peasants seized land.
5. The Decree on Land laid the groundwork for subsequent policies during the Soviet period regarding agriculture and collective farming.

Review Questions

• How did the Decree on Land reflect the socio-economic conditions in Russia at the time of its enactment?
  • The Decree on Land was a direct response to the desperate socio-economic conditions faced by peasants in Russia after years of oppression under tsarist rule and wartime struggles. With widespread dissatisfaction due to inequitable land distribution, the decree aimed to address these grievances by abolishing private land ownership and redistributing land to those who worked it. This legislative act not only symbolized a radical shift in property relations but also galvanized support for the Bolshevik regime among rural populations seeking immediate change.
• Evaluate the impact of the Decree on Land on the relationship between peasants and landowners in post-revolutionary Russia.
  • The Decree on Land drastically altered the dynamics between peasants and landowners in post-revolutionary Russia by legally dismantling the institution of private land ownership. Peasants were empowered to seize lands from wealthy landowners, leading to widespread redistribution. This created significant tension and conflict, as former landowners resisted these changes, which often resulted in violent confrontations. The decree ultimately solidified the Bolsheviks' popularity among peasants but also escalated class divisions and unrest during the early years of Soviet rule.
• Critically analyze how the Decree on Land set a precedent for future agricultural policies under Soviet rule.
  • The Decree on Land set a crucial precedent for future agricultural policies by establishing state control over land distribution and laying the foundation for collectivization. By prioritizing agrarian reform as a means to garner support from peasants, it illustrated the Bolsheviks' commitment to implementing socialist ideals. However, while initially popular, this policy evolved into more extreme measures during War Communism and later collectivization efforts, which sought to consolidate agriculture under state control. The struggles and resistance faced during these later implementations highlighted both the complexities of agrarian reforms and their far-reaching implications for Soviet society.

Related terms

Bolshevik Party: A faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power during the October Revolution and established a one-party state.

October Revolution: A key event in Russian history where the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in October 1917, leading to the establishment of Soviet rule.

War Communism: An economic and political system adopted by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War (1917-1922) that included nationalization of industry and requisitioning of agricultural products.