Russia Essay Plans By Syllabus Dot Point

Resource Description

Focus of Study:

The Bolsheviks and the power struggle following the death of Lenin, including:

• The impact of the Bolshevik consolidation of power, including the creation of the USSR

Potential Question: Evaluate the impact of Bolshevik Consolidation of Power upon Russia from 1917-1924

Political:

• Bolsheviks successfully replaced the Tsar and Provisional Government with their own communist dictatorial Party which exemplified Marxist-Leninism with Vladimir Lenin as their Leader
• They had almost completed eradicated the majority of their political opponents during the Civil War – examples include the White’s as well as the infamous Kronsandt Rebellion in which they were all practically destroyed as a result of their demands made to the Regime – Trotsky Red Army marched and killed many of them
• Political Control Had begun extremely tight – in a short time the Party had changed from an open forum of free discussion to one that now demanded strict adherence to the party Line
• The Party became a highly centralized, bureaucratic hierarchical organisation 
• Ban on factionalism by Lenin – opposition became scarce

Economic: 

• Victory of Civil War although enabling Reds (Bolsheviks to consolidate Power left devastating impacts on the economy and state in general)
• During the Civil War which lasted from 1918-1921, Lenin and the Bolsheviks had introduced and enforced war communism which played a fundamental role in enabling the centralized Red army and supporters to successfully kill out the ‘Whites’ ? Reds Won due to number of reasons
• War Communism had brought in grain requisitioning, rationing of food, Nationalization of all industries and strict centralized management, Strict discipline for workers (strikes forbidden)
• The impact of War Communism left the country in ruins, infrastructure destroyed, millions died/dying of starvation and the economy plummeted 
• HOWEVER Bolsheviks brought in NEP (New economic Policy). It was a slight reversion to Capitalism in order to replenish and revive Russia’s devastated economy. 
• The NEP allowed a partial return to Capitalism through installing a free market where small businesses could make profits; grain requisitioning was replaced by Tax and there came a minimum 8hr working Day
• Although very promising in the short term the NEP did undermine the party ideology and ideals, which made it resented by many of the party’s fanatical communists who wanted an egalitarian communist society