The Rise of the Bolsheviks and the Transformation of Russia

The Bolshevik Seizure of Power

Lenin and Trotsky, from the outset, aimed to consolidate power within the Bolshevik Party. This unprecedented structure placed true authority in the hands of a private entity, "the Party." Bolsheviks held key positions within the state apparatus, overseen by the Council of People's Commissars.

Despite pledging to convene and honor the Constituent Assembly, the Bolsheviks, aware of their minority standing, employed delaying tactics. The elections, however, proceeded, resulting in a Socialist Revolutionary majority. The dissolution of Russia's first democratically elected legislature marked the dawn of Bolshevik dictatorship. In March 1918, the Bolshevik Party rebranded as the Russian Communist Party, distinguishing themselves from other Russian and European Social Democratic parties and aligning with Lenin's ideology over the non-revolutionary Socialist International. A Central Committee governed the party.

Lenin's Early Policies and the Russian Civil War

Upon seizing power, Lenin implemented his Peace, Land, and Bread policy. He nationalized land, prohibiting private ownership, and sought to end the war. April 1918 saw the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, a peace treaty favoring Germany. The economic situation deteriorated, with money becoming scarce and virtually worthless. This harsh policy, termed War Communism, failed to meet government expectations, leading to the development of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921.

The Bolshevik revolution faced internal resistance, escalating into a civil war from 1918 to 1921. The Red Army battled the White Army, which initially posed a significant threat to the new regime. Trotsky's decision to implement widespread conscription bolstered the Red Army, ultimately leading to their victory.

The Rise of Stalin and the Five-Year Plans

Lenin's death in 1924 triggered a power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin, with Stalin ultimately prevailing.

In 1928, Stalin initiated the Five-Year Plans, aiming to transform the USSR into an industrial powerhouse.

The First Five-Year Plan (1928-1932)

The first plan drew resources from agriculture, with limited funds from taxation and price control. The state aimed to utilize price increases for industrial development. New industries required manpower, leading to the collectivization of agriculture. Farms were categorized as either koljoz (collective farms) or sovjoz (state farms).

The Second and Third Five-Year Plans (1932-1941)

The second plan (1932-1937) initially prioritized consumer goods but shifted focus to heavy and military industries, a trend that continued into the third plan (1938-1941). The German invasion of the USSR in 1941 interrupted the third plan.