War Communism

Definition

War Communism was an economic and political system implemented by the Bolshevik government during the Russian Civil War, from 1918 to 1921. It aimed to maintain the Red Army and support the communist regime by centralizing control over the economy, nationalizing industry, and requisitioning agricultural products from peasants. This approach reflected the dire economic conditions of the time and was essential for consolidating Soviet power amidst widespread civil conflict and famine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. War Communism included the nationalization of all major industries, which aimed to eliminate private enterprise and bring the economy under state control.
2. The policy also involved strict rationing of food and goods, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among workers and peasants due to shortages and famine.
3. To ensure compliance, the Bolsheviks created a system of military-style discipline in factories, where workers were often forced to work under threat of punishment.
4. War Communism was crucial for supplying the Red Army during the Civil War, but it ultimately resulted in economic collapse and social unrest by 1921.
5. The failure of War Communism prompted the Bolshevik leadership to introduce the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921 as a response to economic hardships and discontent.

Review Questions

• How did War Communism impact the economy and society during the Russian Civil War?
  • War Communism severely impacted both the economy and society during the Russian Civil War by centralizing control over production and distribution. The nationalization of industries and requisitioning of grain created significant shortages that led to famine and widespread discontent among peasants and workers. This economic strain also fostered social unrest as people became frustrated with their deteriorating living conditions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of War Communism as a strategy for consolidating power during the Civil War.
  • While War Communism initially helped sustain the Red Army and provided resources necessary for victory in the Civil War, its overall effectiveness was limited due to its harsh measures. The extreme requisitioning policies alienated peasants, leading to resistance against the Bolsheviks. By relying on coercive tactics rather than fostering cooperation, War Communism ultimately led to economic disintegration and social upheaval, prompting a reevaluation of policies.
• Assess how War Communism laid the groundwork for subsequent policies like the New Economic Policy (NEP).
  • War Communism's economic failures highlighted the need for a new approach, paving the way for the introduction of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921. The struggles faced under War Communism demonstrated that extreme state control could not effectively manage an economy in crisis. The NEP represented a strategic shift towards a mixed economy that allowed some private enterprise and market mechanisms, aiming to stabilize the economy while still maintaining Bolshevik political dominance.

Related terms

Bolshevik: A faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that advocated for a revolutionary socialist government, ultimately leading the October Revolution in 1917.

Nationalization: The process of transferring private assets into public ownership, often carried out by the state to control key industries and resources.

Requisitioning: The act of taking goods or services for military or public use, often without compensation, particularly used by the Bolsheviks to seize grain from peasants during War Communism.