Topic 5

• Why was War Communism introduced in Russia?

  It was introduced due to poor industrial production, transport issues, loss of land, mass worker migration, and food shortages.
• What percentage of industrial output was produced in 1913 compared to during War Communism?

  Industries were only producing 60% of what they produced in 1913.
• What were the consequences of the Treaty of Brest Litovsk on Russian agriculture and industry?

  Russia lost 40% of industrial areas and 26% of farmland.
• What was a significant reason for workers leaving cities during War Communism?

  Workers were leaving cities en masse because there was no food.
• What was the food production level of peasants during War Communism?

  Peasants were producing less than a million tonnes of grain in a year.
• What were the main features of War Communism?

  • Peasants could not sell their crops; the state requisitioned them.
  • Food rationing was implemented, favoring soldiers and workers.
  • The Supreme Economic Council was established to manage production.
  • Factories with more than 10 workers were nationalized.
  • Strict discipline was enforced, and strikes were banned.
• How did War Communism affect the relationship between peasants and the Bolsheviks?

  Peasants became angry at the Bolsheviks due to grain requisitioning.
• What was the impact of War Communism on food shortages in Russia?

  Food shortages increased and turned into famine.
• What percentage of farm production was achieved compared to 1913 during War Communism?

  Farm production was only 37% of what it was in 1913.
• What violent actions were taken against peasants during War Communism?

  Violence against peasants increased as they hid grain and killed animals.
• What happened to kulaks during War Communism?

  Kulaks were murdered to set an example to other peasants.
• What was the effect of War Communism on worker migration?

  Workers migrated to the countryside, leading to a significant decrease in factory production.
• What percentage of food consumed came from the black market during War Communism?

  70% of food people ate came from the black market.
• When did the mutiny of Kronstadt sailors occur?

  The mutiny occurred on 28th February 1921.
• What were the demands of the Kronstadt mutineers?

  • Re-election of all Soviets by secret ballot.
  • Freedom of speech for workers, peasants, and political parties.
  • Release of all political prisoners from socialist parties.
  • Equal rations for all workers.
  • Freedom for peasants to farm as they wished.
• How did Trotsky respond to the Kronstadt mutiny?

  Trotsky used 50,000 soldiers of the Red Army to crush the rebellion.
• How many casualties were there during the Kronstadt rebellion?

  There were 20,000 casualties during the rebellion.
• What happened to the captured sailors after the Kronstadt mutiny?

  500 captured sailors were either executed by the Cheka or sent to a gulag.
• Why was War Communism replaced by the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

  The Kronstadt rising showed Lenin that changes were necessary to gain support from the Russian people.
• What was the state of Petrograd factories by the end of 1920?

  ¾ of Petrograd factories were on strike by the end of 1920.
• What was the impact of famine during War Communism?

  Famine caused 5 million people to die from starvation in the Volga region alone.
• What were the main features of the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

  • Private trading of small goods was allowed.
  • A new coinage (chervonets rouble) was introduced.
  • Ownership of small factories (under 20 workers) was permitted.
  • Peasants had to give a fixed amount of grain (10%) to the government.
  • Vital heavy industries remained in state hands, run by experts.
  • Trade was encouraged with other countries.
• How successful was the NEP in terms of agricultural production?

  Agricultural production increased significantly, with grain production rising from 37 million tons to 77 million tons by 1925.
• What was the effect of the NEP on peasants?

  Peasants enjoyed earning money and unrest became a thing of the past.
• How did factory production change from June 1921 to 1926?

  In June 1921, 99% of cotton mills were not working, but by 1926, 90% were operational again.
• What was the change in electricity production by 1925?

  Electricity production massively increased from 520 kw hours to 2441 kw hours.
• What was the state of production by 1926-27 compared to pre-1914 levels?

  Production had returned to pre-1914 levels by 1926-27.
• What were the social changes brought about by the NEP?

  • New small businesses and market stalls appeared.
  • The Nepmen developed into a new social class.
  • Rationing was abolished, allowing people to buy food with their own money.
  • Life in cities and towns improved with the opening of shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and theatres.
• When did Lenin die?

  Lenin died in 1924.
• What health issues did Lenin face before his death?

  Lenin had multiple strokes that left him partially paralyzed and unable to participate in politics.
• What was the 'Cult of Lenin'?

  The 'Cult of Lenin' arose after his death, beginning with his body being embalmed and placed in a mausoleum for public viewing.
• What was the design of the mausoleum where Lenin's body was placed?

  The mausoleum was a cube-like structure of gleaming red granite built on Red Square.