Post Civil War Flashcards
When was the USSR formed?
December 28, 1933
What federal institution was formed?
The Supreme Soviet, a democratic body with two chambers and executive committee that handle trade, foreign affairs, etc.
Who handled education policy, culture, etc?
Handled by each individual republic
What was the party like at this time?
Undemocratic, was a party-state structure. Party dominated the state, difficult to tell them apart
Why did Lenin take power from the Soviets?
During the civil war he realized how weak they were, how unprepared the workers were to run a government. The USSR needed centralized authority where party leaders made the decisions
Why did Lenin outlaw the Worker’s Opposition?
Believed the party needed to be unified, not broken down into factions. There was some debate until a vote by the party finalized matters, when debate ended. Lenin’s “Decree on Party Unity.”
How much did party membership increase from 1917 to 1921?
20k to 700k
Why was the New Economic Policy (NEP) brought in?
The economy was destroyed by the war, revolution and civil war - 20 percent of its 1914 level. Grain requisitions made the people starve, returning soldiers with no prospects turned to banditry. Beginning of Socialism in One Country because the Soviet Union couldn’t inspire world revolution if it couldn’t even feed its citizens.
What was the NEP?
A partial return to market economy, but large industry and banking was nationalized. It was good for peasants and the economy recovered, but workers saw it as a betrayal. Nepmen create animosity as they are middlemen who profit from doing no recognized labour and show off their success. It was meants as a transition period to the next phase of the revolution.
What was religion like under NEP society?
Complicated as Bolsheviks are secularists and the Church anti-Bolshevik. Try to find common ground.
Gender under NEP
Soviets try to make a “new man and woman.” Believe exploitation of women is product of capitalism and its overthrow would bring equality. Bring in equal pay for work in 1917, make divorces easier - either man or woman can file and need no reason
What was unintended result of divorce policy?
Men could legally leave wives and children for no reason, leaving them destitute with no recourse.
Negative society under NEP
No education policy, expensive childcare, no women in higher up leadership roles
