Explain War communism in Russia

Answer 1

War communism was a policy implemented by the Russian Bolshevik government during the Russian Civil War (1918-1920). It aimed to centralize control over the economy and ensure the success of the communist revolution in Russia.

Under war communism, private ownership of land and industry was abolished, and all means of production were nationalized. The state took control of banks, railways, factories, and farms. The objective was to use these resources to support the Red Army, which was fighting against counter-revolutionary forces, including the White Army and foreign interventionists.

The policy also included strict centralized control of labor, with mandatory labor conscription for all able-bodied individuals. Workers were expected to work long hours, and strikes and labor unions were strictly prohibited. The state established food requisitioning and rationing systems to ensure the availability of resources for the army and urban populations.

The government implemented a command economy, where all economic decisions were made by central authorities rather than being left to market forces. Prices, wages, and production quotas were set by the state, with the goal of mobilizing resources for the war effort. Production and distribution of goods were prioritized towards the needs of the army and the state, with little consideration for consumer demand.

War communism was marked by a policy of forced requisitioning of grain and other agricultural resources from peasants. This led to widespread opposition from the peasantry, who resorted to hoarding and hiding their produce, causing severe food shortages and famine in many regions. The policy also had negative effects on the industrial sector, with many factories and industries declining due to lack of incentives and motivation for workers and managers.

War communism was eventually abandoned after the end of the civil war, as it became clear that the policies were unsustainable and economically disastrous. The New Economic Policy (NEP) was implemented in 1921, which allowed for some limited market mechanisms and private ownership. This policy shift helped stabilize the economy and led to a period of relative prosperity in the 1920s.