The Decree on Land (November 1917): This act abolished private land ownership without compensation, effectively nationalising all land. It allowed the state to redistribute land from the Church and nobility to the peasantry, securing rural support for the revolution.
The Decree on Workers' Control (November 1917): Initially, the Bolsheviks allowed factory committees to supervise management, giving workers a say in production targets and pay. However, this was a temporary measure that was soon superseded by more rigid state management as the government sought greater efficiency.
Establishment of Vesenkha (December 1917): The Supreme Council of the National Economy was created to oversee all economic activity. Vesenkha was responsible for setting production targets, coordinating different industrial sectors, and bringing order to the chaotic 'nationalisation from below' that occurred when workers seized factories spontaneously.
| Feature | Workers' Control | State Nationalisation |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Local factory committees | Central government (Vesenkha) |
| Goal | Industrial democracy | Economic efficiency and stability |
| Duration | Short-lived (late 1917) | Long-term Soviet policy |
| Management | Workers and supervisors | State-appointed experts |
Identify the Timeline: When discussing 1917, focus on the immediate decrees (Land, Workers' Control, Banks) rather than the later, more radical policies of War Communism. Distinguishing between these phases shows a sophisticated understanding of Bolshevik policy evolution.
Analyze the 'Why': Always balance ideological reasons (Marxism) with practical reasons (economic collapse). Examiners look for students who can explain that nationalisation was often a desperate response to chaos rather than just a pre-planned ideological blueprint.
Evaluate Vesenkha's Role: Highlight Vesenkha as the turning point from decentralized worker action to centralized state planning. This institution represents the Bolsheviks' commitment to top-down control over bottom-up revolutionary enthusiasm.
The 'Instant Communism' Myth: A common mistake is assuming the Bolsheviks established a full communist economy immediately in October 1917. In reality, they maintained many capitalist elements under the 'State Capitalism' model to prevent immediate economic disintegration.
Workers' Control Misunderstanding: Students often believe nationalisation meant workers gained control of their factories. While the Decree on Workers' Control gave them supervisory rights, the state ultimately prioritized central authority over worker autonomy to ensure production met national needs.
Ignoring the State Bank: Many overlook the nationalisation of the State Bank in November 1917. This was arguably the most important early step, as it gave the Bolsheviks control over the flow of money and the ability to freeze the assets of their enemies.
