War Communism devastated the Russian economy from "summary" of A People's Tragedy by Orlando Figes
War Communism, with its policy of seizing grain from the peasantry, nationalizing industry, and abolishing money, brought the Russian economy to the brink of collapse. The requisitioning of grain by the state led to widespread famine in the countryside, as the peasants had no incentive to produce more than they needed for their own survival. This lack of food in the cities caused mass starvation and death among the urban population. The nationalization of industry meant that factory managers and skilled workers fled or were expelled, leaving the factories in the hands of unskilled and untrained personnel. As a result, production plummeted, leading to shortages of essential goods and services. The abolition of money and the introduction of a barter system further complicated matters, as it was difficult to determine the value of goods and services without a common medium of exchange. The lack of a functioning economy meant that the government had to resort to printing money to finance its activities, leading to hyperinflation. Prices soared, making it impossible for ordinary people to afford even basic necessities. The collapse of the economy also had a devastating impact on the transportation system, further exacerbating the shortages of food and other goods.- War Communism left the Russian economy in ruins, with the country facing widespread poverty, starvation, and death. The policies implemented during this period were not only disastrous in the short term but also had long-lasting effects on the economy, setting the stage for further economic turmoil in the years to come.
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