To what extent was War Communism under Lenin a success?

-Ideological victory as it led to the elimination of the free market and government control of the industry. Moving closer to a communist economy.

-Even though overall agricultural production fell, grain produced was under control of gov so could be supplied to the Red army during Civil War.

-Led to full employment which is a key part of a socialist economy.

-Industrial production fell but ideologically, more weapons and ammunition was being produced for the Red army.

-Stepping stone into real communism, people had to feel suffering at first.

-Working conditions became worse, death penalty introduced for those who went on strike, worker day was increased to 11 hours and harsh punishments given to those who were late or were slacking.

-This led to food shortages as a result of bad working conditions, low pay and harsh discipline led to many workers moving to the countryside. Industrial workforce more than halved between 1917 and 1922. Petrograd lost 72% of it's population whilst Mosgow lost 53%.

-Grain being taken away led to lower production as no incentive for workers to produce  more. By 1920, food agricultural production 40% lower than 1913, leading to food shortages which killed over 6 million people.

-Lenin acknowledged that war communism was a failure.

-Led to political unrest, 118 peasant uprisings in February 1921 alone.