What is War Communism and how did it affect Russia?

War Communism was a policy implemented by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War (1918-1921) that centralised the economy under state control.

War Communism was a drastic measure introduced by the Bolshevik government to combat the economic problems brought on by the civil war in Russia. It was a policy of extreme centralisation, where the state took control of all industries, abolished private trade, and introduced forced labour. The main features of War Communism included the nationalisation of all industries, the requisitioning of surplus grain from peasants, the introduction of a barter system due to the collapse of the monetary system, and the compulsory labour of all citizens. This approach can be compared to other long-term causes of war, which often involve significant economic and social changes.

The policy had a profound impact on Russia, both economically and socially. Economically, War Communism led to a severe decline in industrial production and agriculture. The requisitioning of grain led to widespread famine, as peasants had no incentive to produce surplus grain. The nationalisation of industries and the introduction of compulsory labour led to a drop in productivity, as workers had no motivation to work hard. The barter system, introduced due to the collapse of the monetary system, was inefficient and led to further economic decline. Similar to the impact of industrialisation and democracy, these drastic changes had significant repercussions on the economy and society.

Socially, War Communism led to widespread discontent among the Russian population. The policy was deeply unpopular among the peasants, who made up the majority of the population. The requisitioning of grain led to widespread famine and death, and the introduction of compulsory labour was seen as a return to serfdom. This discontent led to numerous peasant revolts, which were brutally suppressed by the Red Army. The centralisation and control of resources during War Communism had parallels with other historical periods, such as warfare organisation, where military needs dictated social structures and policies. Additionally, the economic trends seen during War Communism can be contrasted with economic trends and globalisation in the Americas, highlighting different responses to economic challenges.

A-Level History Tutor Summary: War Communism was a policy by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War to centralise the economy. It involved taking control of industries, ending private trade, and forcing labour, leading to a sharp drop in production and famine. This caused widespread unhappiness, especially among peasants, resulting in revolts. The policy significantly harmed Russia's economy and society.