ABSTRACT
With the Revolution a new factor came into play: the class war and the heavy demands of the workers. For a correct understanding of the Russian situation as a whole and of Russia's economics in particular, it is most necessary to gain a true idea of this class factor, and of its exact share in bringing about the destruction of Russia's economic strength. The striking feature which impressed every unbiassed observer of the Revolution was the marvellous instinct and truly prophetic foresight of the revolutionary democracy. The Soviet programme emphasises the necessity of State monopoly in certain branches of industry, such as grain, meat, salt and leather. The economic and financial policy of the democracy, although representing a considerable change in the economic and social relations of the country, by no means constituted a social revolution. In order to prevent economic disintegration and financial bankruptcy, the Government must immediately undertake a most energetic State control of production and distribution.
