Multiple Essay Plans On Russia & Soviet Union

Resource Description

Russia

To what extent did the social, political and economic reforms of the Bolsheviks enable them to consolidate their power in the period from 1917 to 1928?

Introduction – Both the initial social and political reforms were very significant in consolidation of power because these achieved both aims, although latter policies and reforms were unpopular and hindered consolidation considerably. – Social reforms were extremely significant in terms of appeasement although were somewhat negated by policies introduced during the Civil War. – Economic reforms, although they largely achieved the Bolsheviks fiscal aims, had more of a negative impact on society, until the partial return of capitalism. – Politically, the centralisation of power was probably the most significant impact on consolidation. – Although, economic policy during the Civil War was incredibly unpopular, the New Economic Policy (NEP) was most significant in terms of consolidation.

Para 1: – Initial social, political and economic reforms were aimed at gaining support and establishing control. – Socially, the increase in women’s rights and the formation of the Zhenotdel under Kollontai as well as the establishment of a social security system, were highly popular reforms, thus generated support for the Bolsheviks – The Land Degree was highly popular as it legitimised the action of peasants claiming land for themselves. – Politically, the centralisation of state power in Sovnarkom and the diminishment of church power by seizing its assets and removing the church from political authority to ensure Bolshevik's sense of control. – Economically, the establishment of state capitalism, reformed the worker’s lives, establishing an eight-hour working day, which assisted in gaining support and the nationalisation of industry increased the government’s control.