The Bolsheviks/ Communists in power 1917-1924

The Bolsheviks/ Communists in power 1917-1924

1. Early measures, 1917-18

   • Within first 24 hours, Lenin issued degrees ending Russia's involvement in war and giving land to peasants.
     • Lenin granted independance to Russia's national minorities.
       • Helped the Bolsheviks to tighten their grip on power.
   • December 1917 - Established Cheka. A political police force who persecuted enemies.
   • Press censorship was introduced - initally targetting middle class newspapers but soon became widespread among opposition socialist newspapers.

2. Civil War, 1918 - 21

   • White Army - Fought to re-establish a Russian monarchy.
   • Green Army - Force of peasants who were fighting for a democratic version of socialism.
   • Nationalist armies - Representing Russia's national minorities, fighting for independance that the Communists promised but didn't give.
   • Red Army - Led by Trotsky, was highly disciplined and organised. Made use of modern technology to win the war.
     • Trotsky commanded the army from a mobile headquarters aboard an armoured train. Also, cinemas to show propoganda films.

3. War communism

   • Geared the economy towards military production whilst creating social equality.
   • Private property and money were abolished.
   • Work or military service became compulsory, and food was rationed, according to need.
     • Food requisitioned from the peasants.
       • Unpopular due to the peasants recieving no payment.
         • Resulted in no production of surplus food - leading to famine.
   • Promised bread, but created a famine. Promised peace, but started a civil war. Promised democracy, but ruled in terror.

4. New Economic Policy (NEP)

   • Sailors of Kronstadt threatened military action against communists unless democracy restored and war communism ended.
     • Kronstadt Rebellion - damaging because many of the sailors were revolutionary heros. Supported communists from first days of Revolution.
     • Over 3 days, 40,000 red army troops killed 10,000 Kronstadt sailors.
   • Tenth Party Congress - new government must embrace a limited form of capitalism and temporary measure.
     • Legalised private trade, replaced grain requisitioning with tax-in-kind and reintroduced money.
       • Necessary for survival of regime but still refused to give in to the demands for greater democracy.
         • Opposition parties were outlawed and their leaders were exiled or executed. Lenin also supressed debate within the party by banning factions.