Achievements of Lenin & Trotsky
History: KS3, topic 17.5.8
Bolshevik Policies on Women and Education
The Bolsheviks introduced lots of new policies aimed at women and education in an attempt to promote communism.
Women in Russia before 1920
- 1917: Women and men were declared equals, and divorce was made much easier and cheaper.
- Marriage could now be non-religious.
- 1919: the Zhenotdel was set up under Alexandra Kollontai as an organisation to improve the rights, position and freedoms of women.
Women's policy after 1920
- 1920: Abortion was legalised.
- 1923: Kollontai became the first female ambassador in the world, serving in Norway.
- 1926: Women in a relationship could own property separately from their husbands.
Women under the NEP
- Despite these changes, in general, the economic position of women under the NEP worsened.
- Women’s rights were not seen as a priority by leading members of the government, and investment in the services industry (which benefited women) was reduced.
- The revolution had only improved gender equality a little bit.
Education
- Free education (up to the age of 17) was introduced in Russia in 1919.
- In the Red Army, a literacy drive aimed to increase soldiers’ intellectual capabilities and their understanding of communist ideas.
- Over half the population was literate by 1926.
- Yet by 1927 only 5% of teachers were actually members of the Communist Party, and education was not fully subjected to communist standards until the 1930s.
Economic Achievements of Lenin and Trotsky
Despite constant controversy around the New Economic Policy (NEP), Lenin enjoyed a certain amount of economic success.
Economic growth
- Economic growth was strong, particularly between 1924 and 1925.
- This increased the popularity of the Bolshevik leadership, and optimism about possibilities with the NEP increased.
Electrification programme
- Lenin's electrification programme was the best example of a successful public works project.
Agriculture
- Productivity in farming went back to pre-war levels
- Some peasants were able to raise funds to buy new machinery and tools.
- But exports to other countries never reached their 1913 levels.
Workers
- The length of the working day fell to 7.8 hours by 1928.
- This applied to both women and men.
- Unemployment remained high as many people moved to the towns.
- Economic growth was not quite fast enough to solve this problem.
Test yourself on Achievements of Lenin & Trotsky
What was the name of the organisation set up by Alexandra Kollontai to further the rights and position of women?
During which years was economic growth strong under Lenin?
Which public works project was most successful under Lenin?
What changes happened to agriculture under Lenin and Trotsky?
What changes were made to working conditions?