What economic policy helped the workers' industry recover after the civil war?

The New Economic Policy (NEP) was implemented in 1921 by the Bolshevik government to address the severe economic challenges that arose after the civil war in Russia. The civil war had devastated the economy, leading to widespread famine and industrial collapse. The NEP marked a significant shift in policy from the previous War Communism, which had imposed strict state control over the economy and central distribution of products.

Under the NEP, the government allowed limited private enterprise and small-scale private businesses while maintaining control over major industries and banks. This policy aimed to stimulate agricultural production by allowing peasants to sell their surplus goods on the market, thus incentivizing them to increase output. Additionally, it allowed for some degree of market mechanisms to operate, encouraging trade and rebuilding a war-torn economy.

As a result, the NEP successfully revitalized the economy, leading to an increase in industrial output and improvements in living standards for many. The policy facilitated a more gradual and sustainable recovery compared to the harsher approaches that preceded it. This economic strategy illustrates the Bolsheviks’ adaptability and willingness to embrace pragmatic solutions to restore and recover the economy after the hardships of the civil war.