THE POLITICAL MOOD OF THE PEASANTRY IN THE FIRST YEARS OF THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICY: CIVIL PEACE OR A NEW ROUND OF CONFRONTATION WITH THE AUTHORITIES?

Abstract

Aim. To reveal the features of the political moods of the Russian peasantry in the first years of the New Economic Policy and their impact on the socio-political situation in the country. Methodology. The research was conducted using the analysis and comparison of documentary materials of state institutions (the Council of People’s Commissars, the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party, the United State Political Administration), revealing the events that took place in Russia in 1921-1923 in the context of the early implementation of the New Economic Policy. The research follows the principle of historicism and based on the use of a systematic method of research. Results. The Russian peasantry did not immediately and ambiguously adopt the New Economic Policy, because, even though its separate elements were intended for establishing civil peace, the abuse of power by the local authorities “devalued” this plan; as a result, the New Economic Policy (1920s) can be considered only a short truce between the authorities and the peasantry. Research implications. Original scientific material has been obtained that can be used as the basis for special courses on the socio-economic history of Russia and on the history of the Russian peasantry in the conditions of revolutionary crises.