Decree on land

Definition

The decree on land was a pivotal policy enacted by the Bolshevik government in 1917, which aimed to redistribute land from the wealthy landowners to the peasants. This action was crucial in gaining support from the rural population during the Russian Revolutions, as it addressed the long-standing grievances of peasants who desired land ownership and reform. The decree represented a significant shift in land ownership dynamics and was part of a broader set of changes during this tumultuous period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The decree was issued on October 26, 1917, shortly after the Bolsheviks seized power in Petrograd, making it one of the first major reforms of the new government.
2. It abolished private land ownership and declared that all land should belong to those who worked it, effectively empowering millions of peasants across Russia.
3. The decree led to widespread land seizures from aristocrats and wealthy landowners, igniting both support from peasants and resistance from the elite class.
4. Implementation of the decree was uneven across different regions, leading to chaos and conflict as local authorities attempted to carry out the redistribution.
5. The decree on land set a precedent for future agricultural policies under Soviet rule, influencing collectivization efforts in the years that followed.

Review Questions

• How did the decree on land impact the social structure in Russia following the Bolshevik Revolution?
  • The decree on land significantly altered the social structure in Russia by redistributing land from wealthy landowners to peasants, which empowered millions of rural citizens. This shift diminished the power of the aristocracy and addressed long-standing grievances about land ownership. As a result, many peasants began to see the Bolsheviks as champions of their rights, fostering greater support for the revolutionary government.
• Analyze the effectiveness of the decree on land in addressing peasant demands and its role in stabilizing Bolshevik control during the Civil War.
  • The decree on land was initially effective in addressing peasant demands by promising them land ownership and autonomy over agricultural production. This helped stabilize Bolshevik control by garnering peasant support during a time of upheaval. However, implementation varied widely, leading to some discontent among peasants when their expectations were not met. Overall, while it played a crucial role in securing support, challenges remained that affected long-term stability.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the decree on land for Soviet agricultural policies in subsequent decades.
  • The decree on land had lasting consequences for Soviet agricultural policies, as it laid the groundwork for future collectivization efforts in the 1920s and 1930s. By abolishing private property and promoting state control over agriculture, it set a precedent that influenced how agriculture would be managed under Soviet rule. This approach led to significant disruptions in rural life, widespread resistance, and ultimately contributed to both economic challenges and famine during collectivization. The initial promise of empowerment for peasants turned into a complex legacy marked by both hope and hardship.

Related terms

Bolshevik Revolution: The 1917 revolution led by the Bolshevik Party that resulted in the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of a socialist state in Russia.

Land Reforms: Policies implemented to redistribute land and improve agricultural productivity, often aimed at breaking up large estates and supporting smallholder farming.

Peasant Soviets: Local councils formed by peasants during the Russian Revolution, which played a significant role in organizing agricultural production and governance.