During the Russian Civil War, what economic policy was implemented that involved centralised state control?

The economic policy implemented during the Russian Civil War that involved centralized state control is War Communism. This policy was introduced by the Bolsheviks to ensure that the state had complete control over the economy during a time of crisis and civil strife. War Communism aimed to maintain the supply of military resources and food to the Red Army and the urban population by nationalizing industries and requisitioning agricultural produce from the peasantry.

Under War Communism, private trade was banned, and the government took control of key industries, including factories, transportation systems, and banking, centralizing economic decision-making to address the immediate needs of war. This approach was characterized by strict regulation of workers and the prioritization of military and industrial output to support the Bolshevik war effort against the White Army and other factions.

The policy led to significant hardships, including food shortages and economic discontent among the populace, which ultimately contributed to the eventual shift towards the New Economic Policy after the Civil War, which reintroduced some level of market mechanisms and private ownership to revive the devastated economy.