Which was a greater threat to the Bolsheviks by 1921: War Communism or the Kronstadt Rising?

By 1921, the Bolshevik government faced a multitude of challenges, with discontent brewing both within the urban working class and the rural peasantry. This essay will argue that while the Kronstadt Rising (1921) posed a significant and immediate threat to the Bolsheviks, the greater danger stemmed from the widespread resentment towards War Communism. This resentment, fuelled by economic hardship and political repression, deeply eroded the Bolsheviks' support base and ultimately forced them to abandon their wartime economic policy.

The Threat of War Communism

War Communism, implemented in 1918, was a harsh economic policy designed to ensure the survival of the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War. It saw the nationalization of industry, forced requisition of grain from peasants, and the implementation of strict rationing in the cities. While effective in securing food supplies for the Red Army and urban workers, this brutal approach had a devastating impact on the population.

Firstly, War Communism led to widespread economic hardship, particularly in the cities. The strict rationing system meant that urban workers experienced severe food shortages, leading to malnutrition and starvation. This caused a sharp decline in Bolshevik support, as the very class that had initially embraced the revolution found themselves struggling to survive. The Bolsheviks lost their urban base, a major blow to their authority.

Secondly, the forced requisition of grain from peasants led to widespread famine in 1921. Peasants, who had already been alienated by the Bolsheviks' land reforms, were further enraged by the seizure of their crops. In response, they began to sabotage production, planting less grain to avoid further confiscations. This further exacerbated the food shortages, leading to the deaths of millions and increasing resentment towards the Bolsheviks.

Thirdly, the Bolshevik response to peasant rebellion was brutal and uncompromising. The Tambov Uprising (1920-1921), a peasant revolt against the forced requisitioning of grain, was only quelled after months of intense fighting and widespread atrocities. This further intensified peasant resentment and demonstrated the oppressive nature of the Bolshevik regime.

It is important to note that War Communism was initially justified as a necessary evil to ensure the survival of the Bolshevik government during a brutal civil war. However, the long-term consequences of this policy, including widespread poverty, famine, and resentment, ultimately proved to be a far greater threat to the Bolsheviks than the Kronstadt uprising.

The Kronstadt Rising

The Kronstadt Rising, a revolt by sailors and workers in March 1921, poses a significant threat to the Bolsheviks for a number of reasons. The rebels, who had previously been lauded as heroes of the Revolution, demanded freedom of speech, the right to form independent trade unions, and an end to food requisitioning. This demonstrated the deep disillusionment with Bolshevik rule amongst the workers and made clear that the upheaval was not limited to the peasants.

Firstly, the revolt originated in Kronstadt, a strategically vital location close to Petrograd, the Bolshevik capital. This made the uprising a serious threat, as it had the potential to disrupt the Bolshevik government's operations and inspire further revolts across the country.

Secondly, the timing of the uprising coincided with the Tenth Party Plenum, where the Bolsheviks were debating the future of War Communism. This embarrassing rebellion undermined their authority and exposed the internal divisions within the party.

However, the Kronstadt uprising was relatively small and poorly organized. Although significant, it was ultimately crushed by an overwhelming Red Army force, showcasing the Bolsheviks' military strength and capacity to suppress dissent.

Furthermore, the rebels' demands were ultimately rejected by Lenin, demonstrating that the Bolsheviks were still willing to use force to maintain their grip on power. This suggests that although the uprising was a serious threat, it did not pose a fundamental challenge to the Bolsheviks' authority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Kronstadt Rising was a significant threat to the Bolsheviks, it was ultimately a short-lived and contained rebellion. The true danger stemmed from the widespread resentment towards War Communism. This resentment, fuelled by economic hardship, political repression, and the famine of 1921, undermined the Bolsheviks' authority and ultimately forced them to abandon their wartime economic policy in favor of the New Economic Policy (NEP). This shift, driven by the deep-seated anxieties arising from War Communism, ultimately ensured the survival of the Bolshevik regime.