What were the effects of War Communism on Russia?
War Communism, also known as the Red Terror, was a period of radical socioeconomic change implemented by the Bolsheviks in Russia from 1918 to 1921. It was a series of policies aimed at creating a socialist society by suppressing private property, eliminating money, and organizing the economy along military lines. The effects of War Communism on Russia were far-reaching and devastating, leading to widespread famine, economic collapse, and social upheaval.
Economic Collapse
One of the most significant effects of War Communism was the complete collapse of the Russian economy. The Bolsheviks’ decision to abolish private property and confiscate grain from peasants led to a sharp decline in agricultural production. The harvest of 1919 was the worst in Russian history, with grain production falling by 40%. This led to a severe shortage of food, which in turn caused widespread famine.
| Year | Grain Production (in millions of tons) |
|---|---|
| 1916 | 73.3 |
| 1918 | 41.2 |
| 1919 | 14.3 |
| 1920 | 17.5 |
Famine and Starvation
The famine caused by War Communism was catastrophic. Between 1918 and 1922, it’s estimated that between 5 and 10 million people died from starvation or related diseases. The famine was particularly devastating in the Volga River region, where up to 2 million people died. The situation was further exacerbated by the collapse of the transportation system, which made it difficult to distribute food to those who needed it most.
Social Upheaval
War Communism also had a profound impact on Russian society. The Bolsheviks’ policies of confiscation and redistribution of wealth led to widespread resentment among peasants and workers. The peasantry, who were the backbone of the Russian economy, felt that their hard work was being stolen by the government. This led to a decline in agricultural production and a rise in peasant unrest.
The Rise of the Cheka
The Cheka, the Bolshevik secret police, was responsible for enforcing War Communism’s policies. The Cheka was notorious for its brutality and violence, using torture, imprisonment, and execution to maintain control. Between 1918 and 1922, it’s estimated that between 100,000 to 200,000 people were executed by the Cheka.
International Isolation
War Communism also led to Russia’s international isolation. The Bolsheviks’ rejection of international diplomacy and their failure to pay debts led to the country being shunned by the international community. This made it difficult for Russia to secure aid or trade, further exacerbating the economic crisis.
The End of War Communism
War Communism was eventually abandoned in 1921, when the Bolsheviks introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP). The NEP allowed for limited private enterprise and the reintroduction of markets, which helped to stabilize the economy and improve living standards. The famine was finally brought under control, and the country began to recover.
Conclusion
The effects of War Communism on Russia were devastating. The policies of confiscation, forced labor, and executions led to widespread famine, economic collapse, and social upheaval. The Bolsheviks’ rejection of international diplomacy and their failure to pay debts led to Russia’s international isolation. The eventual abandonment of War Communism and the introduction of the NEP helped to stabilize the economy and improve living standards. However, the damage had already been done, and the legacy of War Communism continued to shape Russian society for decades to come.
