The Extent to Which Lenin's NEP Solved the Problems Caused by War Communism

The Extent to Which Lenin's NEP Solved the Problems Caused by War Communism

Subsequent to the Bolshevik revolution in October 1917 commenced a two

year domesticated war in Russia between the newly empowered Communist

establishment and the conservative military officers. The primary

victims were peasants, affected mostly from the exorbitant demands of

food supplies and other essential necessities. The communist and

despotic techniques practiced by the Bolsheviks during the war were

hence dubbed “war communism” and had considerably alienated the mass

of the Russian populace against its communist policies. Thus the

regime was forced to restrain its callous inclinations and accordingly

abandon “war communism”. Moreover V.I Lenin introduced the “New

Economic Policy” in which capitalism and entrepreneurship was

maintained, consequently restoring economic, social and agricultural

production to pre-revolution levels.

The Bolsheviks had inherited stern economic tribulations in 1917. In

theory, the October revolution had instigated the triumph of mutual

socialism over capitalism, but theory was of minute assistance in the

overwhelming economic conditions of 1917 (Michael Lynch 123).

Commencing the Bolshevik consolidation of power, Lenin made apparent

his dislike for capitalism, but he produced little in way of

legitimate economic structuring. Accordingly, the economic policies

sustained succeeding to his empowerment were somewhat pragmatic.

Russia’s involvement in World War I had brought Russia to an economic

disintegration (Michael Lynch 123). As a resolution the Bolshevik

party introduced “war communism”. All aspects of the economic, social...

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the verge of economic collapse. Its oppressive policies dictatorial

methods brought Russia’s populace to great famine and poverty. However

Lenin’s claim that under the NEP, Russia would achieve economic,

agricultural and social stability had proven to be considerably

correct. The figures signified that essentially, the NEP had

extensively produced an economic equilibrium. In addition the NEP

provided for the noticeable easing of tension with in the Russian

mass. By 1923 Lenin’s NEP had considerably improved matters that were

created by war communism. Hence with out doubt solving the problems

caused by war communism before Lenin’s death in 1924.

Word Count 672

David Thomas Russia Soviet Union New York, Cambridge University Press.

2003

Michael Lynch Reaction & Revolutions: Russia 1881-1924 London, 2005