Short Notes on the Role of Lenin in Post 1917 Russian Reconstruction

Short Notes on the Role of Lenin in Post 1917 Russian Reconstruction

After the Civil War ended Lenin sought to fulfill his priorities to eliminate capitalism and rapidly industrialise Russia.

He organised the economy like an army. On orders from the high command state appointed managers operated various functions of the economy.

The New Economic Policy was implemented whereby peasants were allowed to keep surplus production after payment of tax. Private trade was allowed in a limited measure.

(i) While major industries were under government control, small businesses and home industries could be privately owned and operated for profit. Private trade was allowed in a limited measure.

(ii) Foreign capital was welcomed for the development of state industries. This helped revive the Russian economy and improvement in the conditions of the common people.

On the political front Lenin banned differences within the communist party. Those who held a different view from the official party line were either expelled or shot dead.

Lenin succeeded in destroying the feudal structure in Russia and establishing the world’s first communist state. Contrary to his expectations communist uprisings did not occur in many countries. This left USSR isolated in world affairs. After his demise in 1924, the power struggle within the party culminated in the victory of Joseph Stalin.