Another major short-term impact of the Revolution and new system of government was peace with Germany. This was one of the promises that Lenin had made to the people with his slogan "Peace, Bread And Land". The October Revolution in turn, overthrew the provisional government. It was because of Lenin that they stayed outside the provisional government that enabled the Bolsheviks to seize power. By doing this, Lenin had eliminated a part of Russia's problems - the provisional government tried to carry on the war, but the elimination of the provisional government in turn saw the end of the war, improving Russia's living conditions and stopped inflation from occurring at that time. The peace, however, was described as a 'robbers' peace'. Lenin had told Trotsky to spin out the peace negotiations for as long as possible as he had hoped that very soon a Socialist Revolution would break out in Germany as it had in Russia, but it did not happen. By the end of February 1918, there was no Revolution and the Germans had began to advance again so in March 1918. Lenin was forced to accept the terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. This Treaty was a severe blow to Russia as so much was taken. The losses included:
- 34% of the population.
- 32% of its agricultural land.
- 54% of its industry.
- 26% of its railways.
- 89% of its coalmines.
These losses affected Russia greatly especially with its agricultural land and industrial areas.
The event of the Revolution had many long-term effects as well as short term. Firstly, the Communist Party itself lasted until 1990. This is a very long time considering that it began in 1917. Lenin had laid the foundations for a totalitarian government. Also, Lenin interpreted Marxism and Marxist theories but occasionally adapted it such as the NEP. This adaptation was named Marxist-Leninist as it was based on Marxism but Lenin decided to modify it to suit his needs. Another long-term effect was that people wanted political freedom instead of one party but this was not available especially with the Cheka. Finally, land that was lost through the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was to try to be regained from Germany.
Another major event during Lenin's time in power the Civil War, which used the Cheka and Red Terror. Lenin's activities in 1917-18 were bound to make him enemies. In August 1918, he was even shot three times by a Social Revolutionary agent, Dora Kaplin, but had a miraculous escape. In December, he set up a secret police force - the Cheka - to crush his opponents. The Civil War even resulted in the execution the Tsar and his family. This was because on 17th July 1918, White forces were approaching Ekaterinburg where the Tsar was being held. The Bolshevik commander ordered the execution, as Lenin could not risk the Tsar's being rescued and returned as leader of the Whites. In an amazingly short time, a new Red Army of over 300,000 men was created. Their loyalty was ensured by holding their families' hostage and appointing political commissars to watch over them. The Cheka made sure that nobody in Bolshevik territories co-operated with the Whites. There were many beatings, hangings and shooting of opponents or even suspects in what became known as the Red Terror. Red Terror was also used against those suspected of counter-revolution and sabotage e.g. priest, clergymen, army officers, bourgeoisie, Socialist Revolutionaries. Another method used to win the war was propaganda. This was encouraged by Lenin and 3000 political posters were issued. Lenin's speeches attacked the Whites and counter-revolutionaries. Slowly, Red Terror developed into War Communism.
The long-term effects of the Red Terror and Cheka were that Stalin was able to build on it with the NKVD and his Purges. Also, the use of terror ensured that the Party kept complete power and that no opposition was allowed. By the end of 1921, the Communist Party was the only party. Terror had become part of the Bolshevik Party's methods named "The cult of terror."
During the Civil War, War Communism was introduced. This was the name given to the harsh economic measures the Bolsheviks adopted. The first aim was to put Communist theories into practice by redistributing wealth among the Russian people. The second aim was to help with the Civil War by keeping the towns and the Red Army supplied with food and weapons. There were many short-term effects of War Communism both on Russia and the people. Firstly, the main short-term effect was the famine in which 7 million people died. This was due to the peasants refusing to co-operate in producing more food because the government would simply take it away. This led to food shortages and along with bad weather in 1920-21, a terrible famine was caused. There were even reports of people resorting to cannibalism due to the lack of food. Fuel, electricity, oil, coal, iron, steel and sugar production dramatically dropped. Coal from 29 to 9 million tons, oil from 9.2 it 3.8, iron from 4.2 to 0.1, steel from 4.3 to 0.2, sugar from 1.5 to 0.05 and electricity (in million kWh) from 2039 to 520.
The value of the Rubel also went down greatly affecting Russia's economy. The Black Market was introduced. It handled 60% of food transactions. Although it was illegal, this did not stop people. People were literally selling or exchanging anything they could to gain scraps or food or fuel. The final result of War Communism was the Revolt of Kronstadt, which led to the NEP. This was the main reason why Lenin decided to abandon the emergency policies of War Communism as the sailors at Kronstadt had been the ones who had played a primary role in the October Revolution and were firm supporters of the Bolshevik Party. But now they were protesting against Lenin's policies, and revolted, calling for an end to oppression of the working class. Lenin was quoted as saying, "This was the flash that lit up reality." This symbolises that Lenin was finally aware of what was happening and the revolt opened his eyes to the reality of the situation. The Reds eventually won the Civil War but not after it had imposed great hardships on the peasants
The long-term effects of War Communism were that it enabled Stalin to lead it onto the 5 Year Plans and Collectivisation, which wiped out the kulaks (the class enemy). Stalin was also able to copy Lenin by purging people as Lenin had purged ⅓ of the Bolshevik Party and even had show trials (for Socialist Revolutionaries). Lenin built up the party to accept certain methods particularly regarding the use of terror. This enabled Stalin to build on Lenin's work - 'The Cult of Lenin'. Stalin obviously felt that if it was acceptable for Lenin to do then it must be for him to do.
Finally, the last policy that Lenin enforced on the people was the New Economic Policy - NEP. The short-term effects of this policy were that bourgeoisie were allowed to own their own factories excluding the very large ones. After introducing the policy, Lenin was accused of betraying Marxism and Communism - everything he believed in. This was because the NEP effectively bought back Capitalism for some sections of Russian society. Peasants were allowed to sell surplus grain for profit and would pay tax on what they produced rather than giving some of it up to the government. Lenin did, however, make it clear that it would only be temporary declaring that, "We need a breathing space." However, many Bolsheviks did not see it in this sense and purely saw it as a betrayal of Communism. Another short-term effect of the NEP was that production began to increase, particularly for food. Electricity was also another major addition to peoples' lives. Generally, the people, especially peasant, benefited from the NEP. Once it had been initiated, there was no longer a Black Market. As food production has increased, people were no longer selling and exchanging goods in order to acquire some food. There was enough for people to survive on.
The NEP had many long-term effects. Firstly, Stalin ended the NEP once he came into power as he deemed it as not being effective enough. Secondly, Stalin agreed that something needed to be done so he introduced the GOSPLAN, which paved the way for the 5 Year Plans, as this would ensure quick results. Stalin, somewhat went back to the event of War Communism by wiping out the kulaks during collectivisation.
In conclusion, Lenin finally promoted Stalin to Secretary General having been impressed by his hard work and loyalty. However, it was only after Lenin's fatal strokes that he realised just what sort of leader Stalin would make but by then it was too late. The competition of who would succeed Lenin left Stalin to plot his way to power. Although Lenin described Stalin as "too rude" and questioned his ability as a leader, after his death officials decided not to make his statement public therefore people were never fully aware of Lenin's real opinion of Stalin. In the end, Stalin became the supreme leader of the USSR and Lenin was unable to challenge it.
