Explore the radical reforms of the Bolshevik Party in Soviet Russia, including the nationalization of property, land redistribution, political consolidation, and the impact on society.
Radical reforms of Bolshevik Party in Soviet Russia
Bolshevik Ideals vs. Private Property: Radical Reforms That Shaped Soviet Russia
The Bolsheviks were totally opposed to private property.
In November 1917, most industry and banks were nationalised, meaning government control over ownership and management.
Land was declared social property, and peasants were allowed to seize the land of the nobility.
In cities, large houses were partitioned according to family requirements.
The Bolsheviks banned the old titles of aristocracy to assert social equality.
A new uniform, including the Soviet hat (budeonovka), was designed in 1918 following a competition.
Political Measures and Power Consolidation
The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party (Bolshevik).
In November 1917, the Bolsheviks conducted elections to the Constituent Assembly but failed to gain a majority.
In January 1918, the Assembly rejected Bolshevik measures, prompting Lenin to dismiss it, claiming the All Russian Congress of Soviets was more democratic.
In March 1918, despite opposition, the Bolsheviks made peace with Germany at Brest Litovsk.
Over time, Russia became a one-party state with trade unions under party control.
Suppression and Artistic Shifts
The secret police (Cheka, later OGPU and NKVD) were used to punish critics of the Bolsheviks.
Many young writers and artists initially supported the Party for its vision of socialism and change.
After October 1917, there were experiments in the arts and architecture, though censorship later caused disillusionment among many.
Views on the Revolution in the Countryside
Peasant View: The revolution brought free land and an end to war. Many looted estates, requisitioned stock farms, and distributed land among themselves.
Estate Owners’ View: The transition was often peaceful, with some owners treated politely. However, land and resources were seized, creating uncertainty.
The Civil War (1918–1920)
The Bolshevik order of land redistribution caused the Russian army to break up as soldiers deserted to participate.
Non-Bolshevik socialists, liberals, and pro-Tsarists organized troops in South Russia to fight the Bolsheviks.
Opponents, including the “greens” (Socialist Revolutionaries) and “whites” (pro-Tsarists), gained support from French, American, British, and Japanese troops.
Harsh measures by the whites alienated peasants, leading to a loss of support.
By January 1920, the Bolsheviks controlled most of the former Russian empire due to cooperation with non-Russian nationalities.
However, Bolshevik policies such as the harsh discouragement of nomadism strained relationships with some nationalities.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Use for more information.
Stay focused & Stay away from distractions
At Studento, we make sure you always remain focused on your studies
