8e. How did the Civil War make the party more centralised & less democratic?

Flowchart nodes

• Impact of Civil War, 1918- 20

• The party lost its base in the proletarian workforce. Many of its earlier urban worker members went to fight in the Civil War or join the party bureaucracy. By 1919, 39% of party members were in the army and he majority of others were workers in offices, not factories. 

• Membership changed. At end of 1919, party was purged of undesirables. New members recruited 1920-22 were mainly peasant in background. Few had any knowledge of Marx and little knew of 1917. Had joined to improve their life chances. They were more prepared to do as they were told. 

• Party became more centralised & hierarchical.   Politburo (7-9 members) took over decision-making from larger & unwieldy Central Committee (40 members)   ​​​​​​​Orders passed out from centre & party members expected to carry them out. 

• Discussion + debate declined.   1917 & beyond - party characterised by passionate debate, disagreement, and splits.    ​​​​​​​Progression of Civil War = decline in debate due to need of unity. 

• Rank & file generally accepted crisis caused by Civil War.   State of economy justified increased centralisation & discipline.    Large proportion of party members fought in Red Army & military discipline was instilled in them.    For them, CW became a heroic period during which they were linked in camaraderie & they were used to a pattern of command in which orders replaced consultation.   ​​​​​