War Communism
Socialization of all means of production and central planning of the economy.
War Communism was a period of economic and social policies adopted by the Soviet Union during the Russian Civil War (1918-1921). It was an emergency measure meant to address the dire economic situation and food shortages caused by the war, as well as to build up the Red Army.
Some of the key features of War Communism included:
1. Nationalization of industry: All factories, including small workshops and artels, were taken over by the state. This allowed the government to control production and allocate resources to the war effort.
2. Forced requisitioning of grain: The government requisitioned grain from the peasantry, often at gunpoint, in order to feed the urban population and the Red Army. This policy was very unpopular and led to widespread resistance and even armed uprisings in some regions.
3. Centralized control of distribution: The state took over the distribution of goods and services, including food, fuel, and transport. Rationing was implemented, and people had to queue for hours to obtain even basic necessities.
4. Abolition of private trade: Private trade was outlawed, and all economic activity was supposed to go through the state-controlled system.
5. Strict labor discipline: Workers were subjected to strict discipline and long hours in order to increase production.
War Communism had mixed results. On the one hand, it allowed the Bolsheviks to win the Civil War and establish their control over the country. On the other hand, it led to a massive decline in agricultural production and widespread famine, which killed millions of people. It also created deep resentment among the peasantry, who saw their property and livelihoods taken away by the state.
In the end, the failure of War Communism led Lenin to adopt the New Economic Policy (NEP), which allowed elements of capitalism to return to the Soviet economy.
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