The Crucial Role of Peasants in the Russian Revolution

Peasants were pivotal in the Russian Revolution, using communal structures and resistance to challenge the status quo, with kulaks playing a significant role.

Peasant Power

Peasants were a vital force in the Russian Revolution, representing the majority of the population and driving change through their collective actions. Their participation in the army during World War I allowed them to gain military experience, which they later used to support revolutionary activities. The peasants' desire for land reform and their dissatisfaction with the existing social order were key motivators for their involvement in the revolution.

Expand

Communal Struggles

The village commune, or mir, was central to peasant life and resistance. It provided a framework for collective action and negotiation with the authorities. Peasants relied on these communal structures to interpret and implement the Soviet government's land decrees in ways that suited their needs, often leading to conflicts with the state.[

⁷

The communes also facilitated resistance against grain requisitioning and other policies that threatened their livelihoods](https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/peasant-uprisingstambovshchina/).

Expand

Kulak Influence

Kulaks, the wealthier peasants, played a crucial role in the revolution by providing leadership and resources to the peasant movement. They often lent money and provided mortgages, which gave them considerable influence within their communities. However, their wealth and power also made them targets during the revolution, as they were seen as symbols of the old regime.

Expand

Revolutionary Impact

The Russian Revolution had profound and lasting impacts on Russian society, transforming the social and economic landscape. The peasants' role in the revolution helped to dismantle the old feudal system and paved the way for new forms of governance and land ownership. The revolution also highlighted the power of collective action and the potential for grassroots movements to effect significant change.

Expand