To What Extent Did the Nep Fulfil It's Aims by 1924?

1448 Words6 Pages
To what extent did the New Economic Policy (NEP) fulfil its aims by 1924? The New Economic Policy (NEP) was introduced by Vladimir Lenin in March 1921, after the failure of War Communism in increasing food production in Russia. It also aimed to appease opposition to the Bolshevik party, especially after the Kronstadt mutiny in the same month. Prior to this, the Bolsheviks used terror and coercion to force the peasants into producing more grain. There was suspicion of grain hoarding, which was further proof of the need for terror. However, the resistance of the peasants forced the Bolsheviks to resort to grain requisitioning, which caused further disdain and eventually led to a nationwide famine. This, along with the Kronstadt rising were the push Lenin needed to issue a new policy, one that would meet some of the demands of the peasants and boost Russia's economy. After the introduction of the NEP, Russia saw a marked improvement in the economy and grain harvest increased vastly. Trade, Industrial and Agricultural productivity saw a statistic rise after the introduction of the NEP. Not just that, but the policy also succeeded in satisfying the peasants and appeasing the protestors. However, the NEP was met with stark opposition from many members of the Bolshevik party, who believed it went against the very ideals of communism. After the introduction of this policy, many Bolshevik party members were unhappy, which led to 'factionalism' and forced Lenin to outlaw all political parties except his own. One of the biggest opponents to the NEP was Trotsky, who was Lenin's right-hand man up to that point. He emphasized the urgency of the "Scissors Crisis" in 1923 at the Twelfth Party Congress. By the time of Lenin's death in 1924, the NEP had succeeded in stopping the widespread famine and even the industry had begun regaining its stature since the days of war
Open Document