War Communism

• War Communism overview

  • 'Food Dictatorship'.
  • Labour Discipline.
  • Abolition of the market.
  • Economic collapse.
  • Growth of the Black Market.
  • Mass Poverty.
  • Political Crisis.
• 'Food Dictatorship' under War Communism

  • Grain Requisitioning; Cheka squads seize grain from peasants without compensation.
  • Supply Commissariat rationed foods; working-class given most rations.
• Labour Discipline under War Communism

  • Intense labour discipline.
  • In 1918, the working day was extended to 11 hours a day.
  • In 1919, work was compulsory for all 16 to 50 year olds.
  • Harsh punishments for slacking workers.
• Abolition of the Market under War Communism

  • Hyperinflation; money became worthless and workers were paid through food rations, public transport was made free.
  • Private trading was made illegal.
  • Complete nationalisation of businesses.
  • Conscription; workers were assigned either to work in factories or fight in the army.
• Economic Collapse under War Communism

  • Lower agricultural production as peasants not paid for their grain.
  • Industrial workforce declined from 3 million in 1917 to 1.2 million in 1922.
• Growth of the Black Market under War Communism

  • 60% of food consumed came from the Black Market during the Civil War.
• Mass Poverty under War Communism

  • 1921 harvest was only 46% of the 1913 harvest.
  • Famine killed 6 million people during the Civil War.
• Political Crisis under the War Communism

  • Tambov Rebellion from 1920-1921.
  • Kronstadt sailors demanded a return to free trade and new multi-party elections.
  • Political Crisis meant the end of War Communism.