1.3.2

Social & Economic Effects of WW1

Test yourself

Economic Effects of the First World War

Russia was not the only country that struggled with the effects of “total war” on its economy and society.

Illustrative background for Economic effectsIllustrative background for Economic effects ?? "content

Economic effects

  • The government printed too much money, which caused the Russian currency (ruble) to fall in value.
    • This worsened the cost-of-living crisis.
  • Taxes were increased on the poor to fund government spending on the war.
  • Government spending increased by a multiple of eight between 1913 and 1916 AD.
Illustrative background for InflationIllustrative background for Inflation ?? "content

Inflation

  • Inflation (rising prices and fall in value of currency) meant that workers’ wages could no longer afford everyday items.
  • During the war years, wages increased by 200%, but food and fuel increased 400% in price.
    • This cut living standards by 50%.

Social Effects of the First World War in Russia

Russia was not the only country that struggled with the effects of “total war” on its economy and society. But Russia was the only country that faced revolution in 1917 AD.

Illustrative background for RailwaysIllustrative background for Railways ?? "content

Railways

  • The army took over control of the railroads and railways and requisitioned (took forcibly) huge amounts of food to feed the army.
    • This caused the Russian railway system to collapse, which caused the food supply to the towns and cities to suffer.
Illustrative background for RefugeesIllustrative background for Refugees ?? "content

Refugees

  • Many refugees came from across Russia to Petrograd, but the city struggled to cope because it was far away from food-producing areas.
    • The bread ration fell from 1.2kg to 0.8kg from 1916-1917 AD.
    • By February, Moscow was receiving 1,500 fewer wagons of grain per month compared to before the war.
Illustrative background for Peasants in the countrysideIllustrative background for Peasants in the countryside ?? "content

Peasants in the countryside

  • There was suffering in the countryside too.
    • Around 16 million peasants fought in the army and many were injured or died.
  • Horses that had previously been used for ploughing were seized by the military. The war made it very difficult to keep producing enough food.

Jump to other topics

1The End of Tsardom

1.1Russia's Economy & Society

1.1.1Industrialisation

1.1.2Living & Working Conditions

1.2Nicholas II's Autocracy & the Court

1.2.1Growth of Revolutionary Opposition

1.2.2The 1905 Revolution & the October Manifesto

1.2.3Reforming Russia Before 1914 - Stolypin

1.2.4The Duma & Political Stalemate

1.3The First World War

1.3.1The Impact of Military Defeats

1.3.2Social & Economic Effects of WW1

1.3.3Romanov Unpopularity

1.3.4The Tsar's Abdication

1.3.5Top Grade AO2/3 - The End of Tsardom

2Lenin's New Society

2.1The Provisional Government

2.1.1The Failure of the Government

2.1.2Social & Economic Problems

2.1.3Lenin & Trotsky

2.1.4The Growth of the Bolsheviks

2.1.5The October / November Revolution

2.1.6Top Grade AO2/3 - The Provisional Government

2.2The Impact of Lenin's Dictatorship

2.2.1The End of the First World War

2.2.2The Cheka

2.2.3Red Terror & Centralisation

2.2.4The Civil War & The Red Army

2.2.5Propaganda

2.2.6Top Grade AO2/3 - Early Bolshevism & the Civil War

2.3Social & Economic Developments

2.3.1War Communism

2.3.2The Kronstadt Rising

2.3.3The New Economic Policy (NEP)

2.3.4The Achievements of Lenin & Trotsky

2.3.5Top Grade AO2/3 - Social & Economic Developments

3Stalin's USSR

3.1Stalin the Dictator

3.1.1The Power Struggle to Succeed Lenin

3.1.2The Communist Party & Government

3.1.3The Terror & the Purges

3.1.4The Secret Police

3.1.5Cult of Personality

3.1.6Propaganda & Censorship under Stalin

3.1.7Top Grade AO2/3 - Stalin's Dictatorship

3.2Stalin's Modernisation of the USSR

3.2.1Collectivisation

3.2.2Five Year Plans

3.2.3Social & Economic Consequences

3.2.4Social & Economic Consequences 2

3.2.5The Extent of Modernisation

3.3Impact of the Second World War

3.3.1Stalin's Wartime Leadership

3.3.2Political, Economic & Social Consequences of War

3.3.3Top Grade AO2/3 - Modernisation of the USSR

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson

The Impact of Military Defeats

Romanov Unpopularity