Discuss the effects of the NEP on Russian society and economy.

The New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced by Lenin in 1921 had a significant impact on Russian society and economy, stimulating growth and reducing social tensions.

The NEP was a radical shift from the previous policy of War Communism. It was designed to revitalise the Russian economy by introducing market-oriented reforms. The state retained control of 'commanding heights' of the economy - large-scale industries, banking and foreign trade, while small-scale industries and agriculture were liberalised. This allowed peasants to sell their surplus produce in the open market after paying a tax in kind to the state. This policy led to a significant increase in agricultural production, which in turn led to a revival of the Russian economy. The NEP period saw a recovery from the severe economic crisis and famine of 1921-22. Industrial output increased, and by the late 1920s, it had reached the pre-war level.

The NEP also had profound effects on Russian society. It reduced social tensions by allowing a degree of economic freedom to the peasants and the emerging class of traders and entrepreneurs, known as NEPmen. The policy also led to a significant improvement in living standards. The famine conditions were alleviated, and there was a noticeable increase in the availability of consumer goods. The NEP period also saw a cultural thaw with a relative relaxation of political control and censorship, leading to a brief flourishing of arts and literature.

However, the NEP also had its drawbacks. It led to growing inequalities in Russian society. The NEPmen and the wealthier peasants, or kulaks, prospered, while the poorer sections felt left behind. This led to social discontent and was one of the factors that led to the policy's eventual abandonment in 1928. The NEP was also criticised for compromising the socialist principles of the Bolshevik revolution. It was seen as a tactical retreat, a necessary evil to revive the economy.

In conclusion, the NEP had a significant impact on the Russian economy and society. It helped in the economic recovery after the devastation of the civil war and the policy of War Communism. It also led to a temporary reduction in social tensions and an improvement in living standards. However, it also led to growing inequalities and was seen as a deviation from the socialist path. The NEP period was a unique phase in Soviet history, a brief interlude of market-oriented reforms in an otherwise centrally planned economy.