Lenin and Stalin's Policies Overview

Lenin's April Theses

  • Context of War:

    • The war under the new government (headed by Lvov) is characterized as a predatory imperialist war due to the capitalist nature of the government.
    • No concessions to "revolutionary defencism" are applicable.

  • Conditions for Revolutionary War:

    • Consent to a revolutionary war is allowable only if:
    • Power shifts to the proletariat and the poorest peasants.
    • Announced renunciation of annexations is genuine in action, not just in words.
    • A definitive break from capitalist interests is established.

  • Campaign for Change:

    • A widespread campaign among the army should be organized to promote these ideas.

  • Transitional Features:

    • Russia is moving from the first stage of revolution (where power is held by the bourgeoisie) to the second stage, where power must be transferred to the proletariat.
    • This transition is marked by increased rights for the masses but also reveals their misplaced trust in the capitalist government, which hinders peace and socialism.

  • Party Work:

    • The situation demands adaptation of Party work to address and mobilize newly politically awakened masses.
    • Disabuse the public of support for the current Provisional Government and expose its empty promises, especially regarding annexations, through engagement and campaigning.

  • Bank Reformation:

    • Immediate amalgamation of all banks into a single National Bank, controlled by the Soviets of Workers' Deputies.

New Economic Policy (NEP)

  • Overview of NEP:

    • Transition from requisitioning food to a tax-based system represents a return to elements of capitalism.

  • Implications for Trade:

    • While few concessions to foreign investors have been made, leasing enterprises to private capitalists indicates a structural shift towards capitalist restoration.
    • The NEP permits peasants to trade their surplus produce, allowing capitalism to emerge from the agriculture sector.

Conditions on Kolkhozes

  • Peasant Sentiment:

    • Current peasant attitudes are bleak due to famine and livestock losses, resulting in hostility and despair.
    • Observations concluded about starvation conditions leading to negative sentiments towards collective farming.

  • Action Plan:

    • Plans to inform party leaders (including Stalin) about peasant conditions will be pursued.

Stalin’s Commentary on Industrial Development

  • Internal Pressures:

    • Emphasizes the urgent need for rapid industrial development due to backward agricultural practices and the predominance of small commodity producers.

  • External Conditions:

    • Recognizes challenges posed by advanced capitalist countries with superior industrial technologies.
    • Acknowledges the Soviet Union’s advanced political system but admits that this is insufficient without a corresponding technological advancement in industry.

  • Necessity for Development:

    • To ensure the victory of socialism and maintain national independence, it is critical for Soviet industry to advance and surpass the technologies of capitalist nations.

  • Conclusion:

    • The fast rate of industrial development is imperative for both economic success and national defense in a hostile global environment.