What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October revolution?

Answer 1

The main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks

The main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution were:

(i) To realise the old socialist ideal, private property as a means of production was abolished. Industry and banks were nationalised.

(ii) Lands of clergy and nobility were conficated and land was declared state property.

(iii) Use of old titles of aristocracy was banned. It marked the end of the system of privileges, thus creating a classless society.

(iv) All policies were directed to achieve the socialist idea, "from each according to his capacity, to each according to his work:" Work was now an essential requirement for everyone as there was no unearned income to live on.

(v) By adoption of Decree of Peace, Russia withdrew from World War I.

(vi) Russia unilaterally renounced all the unequal treaties which the Tsar's government had imposed on countries such as China, Iran and Afghanistan. The right of all peoples to equality and self determination was proclaimed.

(vii) The Bolshevik Party was renamed the Russian Communist Party.

Russia became a one-party state. All Russian Congress of Soviets became the Parliament of the country.

Answer 2

The most immediate changes made by the Bolsheviks after their October revolution were:

1. The radically one sided peace treaty demanded by Germany which would end Russian participation in WW 1;

2. This treaty was opposed by the leftist elements in the Party. They therefore needed to be convinced that it was necessary. There was no doubt about leaving the war, however, the German demands were opposed by the Left;

3. The degree of nationalization of June 1918 was the prelude to War Communism. Over the next two years the Bolsheviks would fight a win or lose battle with domestic and foreign enemies;

4. Factories were placed in a semimilitary position in order to be controlled by the Party;

5. Within the Party, new discipline was required. Previously the Party filled offices by elections, that was ended;

6. Peasants were subjected to numerous and arbitrary requisitions;

7. The result of the Bolsheviks was:

7a. Industrial production in 1920 was 13% of the prewar level;

7b. Coal production from the main coal producing area dropped to almost zero;

7c. Agriculture production dropped 30%.

8. The NEP was introduced. This negated Marism and control of the Party in food production;

9. The Party's secret police was created;

10. Under Trotsky the civil war ended; and

11. The system of inequality remained. The idea of a classless society was abandoned.