War communism Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was War Communism?
A policy where the entire economy in Bolshevik-controlled areas was organized for the war effort.
What economic and social problems did the Bolsheviks face at the start of 1918?
Industrial collapse, food shortages, riots, and workers fleeing to the countryside.
Why weren’t peasants supplying the towns and cities with food during War Communism?
The currency had collapsed, creating a barter economy, and the cities weren’t producing goods, so peasants had nothing to gain from trade.
How did the Bolsheviks respond to peasants refusing to supply food?
They used grain requisitioning and took livestock by force, using Red Army and Cheka requisition squads.
What was the result of grain requisitioning in the countryside?
Peasants destroyed or consumed their grain and livestock to prevent it from being taken.
How did the Bolsheviks address worker-related issues under War Communism?
They nationalized industry, imposed military discipline, abolished workers’ committees, and introduced internal passports.
What role did ‘specialists’ play in War Communism?
Former Tsarist officials and experts were brought back to help manage industry.
What measures were taken to prevent workers from leaving the cities?
Internal passports were introduced to tie workers to factories.
What were the consequences of War Communism by 1921?
Famine, poor conditions, industrial collapse, disease, and approximately 5 million deaths.
How did Bolshevik leaders view the harsh policies of War Communism?
Most saw the oppression as a temporary necessity, though some party members began to express ideological discontent by 1921.
