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 and cultural normality had to be subordinated to achieving victory in the civil war (Michael Lynch 124).
By 1921 the bleak financial condition had undermined the initiatory justification of war communism. Conversely, the Bolshevik party consisted of many who still believed in the eminence of its success and were intent on prompting harsher reinforcements of its policies (David Thomas 112). However the economic and agricultural conditions of 1921 forced Lenin to consider potential alternatives to war communism. Hence the founding of the New Economic Policy (NEP) became Lenin’s primary declaration. As with the policy it reinstated the NEP was intent primarily to meet Russia’s imperative necessitate for essential provisions. Its foundational factors were the desertion of state commandeering and the prologue of free enterprise and entrepreneurship. This provided for instantaneous slackening of tension with in the economic and agricultural societies of Russia.
Succeeding only a year after the establishment of the NEP, agricultural, industrial and social developments were apparent (Michael Lynch 131). To further implement the surplus’s of the NEP, free trade was made permissible as an auxiliary method to promote the movement of goods and essential provision. As an accompanying result, the foundation of a new social class was formed, the Nepmen (David Thomas 112). As private entrepreneurs their fervent pursuit for an economic balance played a significant role in the achievements and the ultimate the success of the NEP. As a direct result of the NEP, pig-iron productions and grain harvest surpassed their pre-revolution levels. Prevalent electrification was established largely in industrial institutions. The transference of the market structure and the reintroduction of money permitted, and encourage agricultural productions. Consequently cultivated land increased by more that fifty percent. By 1921 Russia was on a significant path to success (David Thomas 111) .
Under the harshly restrictive measures of war communism, Russia was on 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
