How Far was the New Economic Policy a Success? | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Why did the Bolsheviks Introduce the NEP? - Summary

• The NEP marked a significant shift from War Communism. The Bolsheviks had introduced War Communism in June 1918 due to the Russian Civil War. This policy embodied a communist approach to the economy, aligning with Marx's vision of communism where there would be no private businesses. Consequently, the Bolshevik government took control of all areas of production.
• War Communism, however, had severe negative impacts on the Russian economy. Lenin realized that continuing War Communism was untenable, despite the desire of many Bolsheviks, such as Bukharin, to persist with it. Therefore, Lenin had to introduce capitalist elements into the Bolshevik economy. This shift brought both benefits and costs to Lenin and the Russian economy.

Effect of War Communism in Towns

• The Bolsheviks required the backing of Russian towns during the civil war.
  • Persistent scarcity of industrial products due to World War I and labor strikes.
  • Bolsheviks aimed to regulate the armament sector to ensure optimal supplies for the Red Army.
  • The Decree on Workers enabled many laborers to receive high wages even for minimal work.
  • After the First World War and strikes, there remained a scarcity of industrial goods.
  • The Bolsheviks aimed to manage the armament industry to ensure optimal supplies for the Red Army.
  • Under the Decree on Workers, numerous workers were able to grant themselves substantial wages despite minimal or no productivity.

Industrial Concepts during the War Communism Era

Effect of War Communism in the Countryside

• The Bolsheviks sought the backing of Russian peasants for their cause.
  • Many peasants were forcibly enlisted into the Red Army by the Bolsheviks.
  • To sustain their troops' strength, the Red Army required a steady food source.
  • Resistance from certain peasants towards the Bolsheviks was encountered.
  • The implementation of stringent War Communism policies contributed to the expansion of Bolshevik authority throughout Russia.

Agricultural Terms of War Communism

Kronstadt Uprising 1921

• War Communism had significant repercussions on Russian society by 1921:
  • Industrial production fell below pre-War Communism levels of 1913.
  • The country witnessed widespread famine leading to the death of millions.
  • Russia endured seven consecutive years of warfare.
• The Kronstadt Uprising marked a turning point, compelling Lenin to abandon the policies of War Communism.

Features of the New Economic Policy (NEP)

• After the Red Army's victory over the Bolsheviks' adversaries, Lenin implemented the New Economic Policy (NEP), a significant departure from War Communism.
• The NEP marked a stark contrast to the economic strategies of War Communism, emphasizing a more market-oriented approach.

Was the NEP a Success?