Decree on Land, 1917

What was the Decree on Land?

The Decree on Land nationalised all land and was issued by the Bolsheviks. In other words, land was taken away from private landowners, the tsar, and the Russian Orthodox Church and given to the peasants. No one was allowed to own land.

When was the Decree on Land passed?

The Decree on Land was passed in October 1917.

Who passed the Decree on Land?

The Bolsheviks passed the Decree on Land.

Why was the Decree on Land issued?

The Decree on Land was passed because Lenin and the Bolsheviks hoped that winning the support of the peasants would ensure a supply of food for the workers in the cities and towns.

What was the impact of the Decree on Land?

There were two main effects of the Decree on Land:

• ❖ In reality, the peasants had already been seizing land so the Decree on Land just legalised their actions.
• ❖ The land went to those who were farming it, so some of the poorer peasants, who hadn't farmed any land, were disadvantaged by the reforms.