Peasant resistance to collectivization can be attributed primarily to their desire to maintain control over their land and autonomy in farming practices. Here are the main reasons:
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Control of Land: Peasants had a strong attachment to their land and valued their independence. Collectivization, which involved pooling individual farms into large collective farms run by the government, threatened their property rights and livelihoods. They were unwilling to give up their land and the ability to make decisions about their own agricultural practices.
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Work for the Government: Many peasants were highly skeptical of working for state-run collective farms, which they saw as a loss of personal agency and a shift to a system where they were not rewarded for their individual efforts. The prospect of working for the government rather than having the fruits of their own labor was a significant source of resistance.
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Fear of Modernization Obstruction: Some peasants were cautious that the government's focus on collectivization would hinder their ability to modernize their farming methods. They feared that state-led initiatives would not align with their aspirations for improving productivity and would stifle innovation.
The mention of collaborating with foreign powers and a preference for factory work, while possibly relevant to some individuals, was not a principal driver of the widespread peasant resistance observed during this period. The fundamental issues of land ownership, autonomy, and control over agricultural practices were central to their opposition to collectivization.