Famine and Revolution: On the Problem of Supply When Capitalism Explodes
Capitalism is a system in which there are private owners of a company who keep the profit and pay workers wages. The goal of capitalism is maximizing this profit for the owners. Capitalism then, requires that corporations keep wages as low as possible in order to make money. Ideally, corporations want wages to cost them zero dollars, and don’t mind human rights violations when it comes to increasing their profit. This means tension between the owners of corporations and the worker class will always exist in capitalism since their interests oppose one another; however, in unregulated capitalism the owner class deals with this tension by refusing to share most of the profit or the control in decisions with the working class. This decision is one to oppress which many times in history has ultimately caused capitalism to explode at some point.
Eventually, it would make sense if the workers resisted their oppression and the lack of wages, lack of property ownership, lack of healthcare, and lack of food. However, in choosing strategies for resistance it is important to remember the struggles of past movements to stop unregulated capitalism. One thing that is important to remember as we choose solutions is the problem of disrupting the supply chain which causes food shortages.
A supply chain has many elements so let’s talk about its components before we dive into examples of food shortage resulting from supply chain disruptions following violent anti-capitalist revolution. This is in support of a democratic process to achieve worker owned and led businesses.
Part 1: Supply Chain
A supply chain refers to the interconnected network of organizations, individuals, activities, information, and resources involved in the production, distribution, and delivery of goods or services to consumers. It encompasses all the stages and processes from the acquisition of raw materials to the final delivery of the product to the customer.
The supply chain typically includes various entities such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, transportation providers, warehouses, and customers. It involves the flow of materials, information, and funds across these entities, with the goal of efficiently and effectively meeting need.
The key components of a supply chain include:
Procurement: The process of sourcing and acquiring raw materials, components, or services from suppliers.
Production: The transformation of raw materials into finished products through manufacturing or assembly processes.
Distribution: The movement of products from the place of manufacturing to warehouses or places of distribution.
Logistics: The management of transportation, inventory, and warehousing to ensure timely and efficient movement of goods within the supply chain.
Inventory Management: The control and optimization of inventory levels at various points in the supply chain to balance demand and supply.
Information Flow: The exchange of real-time information and data among supply chain partners to facilitate coordination, planning, and decision-making.
Service: The activities and processes aimed at satisfying needs, including order processing, delivery, and after-sales support.
Efficient supply chain management is crucial for organizations to respond effectively to needs. It involves strategic planning, coordination, and collaboration among the different entities involved to ensure a smooth flow of bartering, products, and information flow throughout the entire supply chain to deliver goods like food or services like healthcare to a consumer or recipient.
Disruptions in the supply chain can lead to shortages of goods or services. A breakdown in production for example, if a key supplier faces a halt or shortage of raw materials, can disrupt the process downstream. This can lead to delays or reduced production output, causing a shortage of food or services.
Interruptions in transportation systems that happen during war, such as closures, roadblocks, or disruptions in air or sea freight, can hinder the smooth flow of food or medical care across the supply chain. If these products cannot reach their intended destinations in a timely manner, shortages can occur, especially for perishable or time-sensitive goods.
It's also very important to note that supply chain disruptions and resulting shortages can have cascading effects. Shortages in one industry or product can impact downstream industries or related products, causing further supply chain disruptions and shortages. This is especially important when considering access to medical care.
This brings us to our problem of food shortages following revolution due to the disruptions in the supply chain. Let’s look at a few times this happened.
Part 2: Famine and Revolution
Cuba
There were instances of food scarcity and famine following the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The revolution led by Fidel Castro aimed to overthrow the existing government and establish a socialist regime. The radical changes in Cuba's political and economic systems, including the nationalization of industries and the implementation of collectivization in agriculture, had significant impacts on the country's supply chain of food beginning with production and following all the way to distribution.
During the early years of the revolution, the government implemented agrarian reforms, redistributing land and resources. While these reforms aimed to address inequalities and increase agricultural productivity, they also disrupted the established agricultural systems and caused disruptions in food production. Additionally, economic sanctions imposed by other countries like the United States further strained the Cuban economy and affected access to food and resources.
These factors, combined with a decline in trade with the Soviet Union after its collapse in the early 1990s, led to a severe economic crisis in Cuba known as the "Special Period." The country faced significant food shortages, scarcity of basic necessities, and a decline in living standards. Rationing of food and other essential items became necessary, and malnutrition became a concern for many Cubans during this period.
While the situation improved over time through various economic reforms and changes in agricultural practices, the early years following the revolution did witness instances of famine and food scarcity in Cuba. It's still important to note that the severity and extent of these conditions varied over time and across different regions of the country.
France
While not directly an anti-capitalist Revolution, it’s important to talk about the mother of revolution in the west. The French Revolution was a period of significant political and social upheaval, characterized by the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a representative democracy. While the revolution brought about radical changes in France's political structure, and it did not directly cause widespread famine, it did cause food shortages.
It's important to note that France experienced food shortages and economic difficulties during the revolutionary period. The revolution also coincided with a series of poor harvests and agricultural challenges, which contributed to rising food prices and scarcity. Additionally, the revolutionary government faced the task of reorganizing and centralizing the country's administration, which created disruptions in the distribution and supply of food.
One notable event related to food scarcity during the French Revolution was the Women's March on Versailles in October 1789. Women from Paris marched to Versailles to protest against food shortages and high bread prices. Their demands led to the royal family being brought back to Paris, and the government subsequently took measures to address the food crisis.
However, it's crucial to differentiate between food shortages and widespread famine. While there were localized instances of scarcity and unrest related to food during the French Revolution, it did not result in a full-scale famine as experienced in these other historical contexts.
Russia
The problem of famine also followed the revolution in Russia. The Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Soviet Union, had significant consequences for the country's agricultural sector and food production.
Following the revolution, Russia experienced a period of political and economic instability, as well as the devastation caused by World War I. The implementation of socialist policies, including the collectivization of agriculture, disrupted traditional farming practices and led to a decline in agricultural productivity. The Bolshevik government faced numerous challenges in managing food production and distribution both crucial stages of the supply chain.
The situation was exacerbated by the Russian Civil War (1918-1922), which further disrupted agricultural activities and caused widespread destruction. The conflict, fought between various factions, resulted in the displacement of millions of people, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of food supply chains.
As a consequence, widespread famine occurred in Russia between 1921 and 1922, known as the Russian Famine of 1921-1922 or the Povolzhye Famine. This famine affected various regions, including the Volga River region, and resulted in the deaths of millions of people due to starvation and related diseases.
The Soviet government, under Lenin's leadership, initiated relief efforts and sought international aid to alleviate the famine. However, the effects of the famine and the challenges faced by the country's agricultural sector continued to have long-lasting impacts on the Soviet Union's food production and policies.
It's important to note that the Russian Revolution and subsequent famine were complex events influenced by a combination of political, economic, and social factors; however, the revolution itself played a role in disrupting the agricultural system, leading to food shortages and contributing to the conditions that led to the famine.
China
The Chinese Revolution, which encompassed a series of political, social, and economic transformations from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, had profound consequences for the country's food production and led to severe famines.
One of the most devastating famines occurred during the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962), which was an ambitious economic and social campaign initiated by Mao Zedong. The campaign aimed to rapidly transform China into a socialist society and boost agricultural and industrial production. However, the implementation of collectivization policies, such as the communalization of agriculture, backyard steel production, and unrealistic production targets, had disastrous consequences for the agricultural sector.
The Great Leap Forward resulted in a series of policy failures, including the diversion of resources from agriculture to industrial projects, improper agricultural practices, and lack of incentives for farmers. These factors, along with natural disasters such as droughts and floods, led to a significant decline in food production.
As a result, China experienced widespread famine, particularly in rural areas. Estimates of the death toll during the Great Leap Forward range from tens of millions to over 45 million people. The famine was characterized by widespread starvation, malnutrition, and the breakdown of social structures.
The Chinese government initially attempted to cover up the extent of the famine and focused on export of grains to support economic and political goals. It was only in the late 1970s, after Mao's death and the subsequent economic reforms, that the full extent of the famine and its impact on the Chinese population became known.
The famine following the Chinese Revolution was a complex and tragic event influenced by a combination of political decisions, economic policies, natural disasters, and environmental factors. It serves as a stark reminder of the issues with central planning of the economy by the government and demonstrates the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to food security.
Tying It Together
Revolutionary periods can often cause food shortages due to various factors associated with the socio-political upheaval and economic transformations.
For one revolutionary movements can lead to disruptions in established agricultural practices. Land reforms, changes in property rights, or collectivization efforts may unsettle traditional farming supply systems. Such disruptions can result in decreased agricultural productivity, as farmers may face uncertainty, lack of resources, or resistance to new farming methods. This has ultimately led to reduced food production and contribute to food shortages.
Revolutionary periods can also lead to population movements, displacement, or changes in societal structures. These changes can disrupt social networks and community support systems that are crucial for agricultural production and food security. Displaced and impoverished populations may struggle to access food sources or may lack the means to engage in agriculture, contributing to food shortages.
Revolutionary periods are also of course marked by social unrest, political instability, and armed conflict. These conditions can adversely affect the agricultural sector. Farms are literally abandoned, livestock may be lost, and fields may be destroyed due to violence or displacement. Farmers may also face challenges accessing their land, resources, or places of sale during war. The is can disrupt food production, distribution, and access, exacerbating food shortages.
Overthrowing existing regimes and transitioning to new political systems through war can result in economic instability, currency devaluation, or trade disruptions. These economic malfunctions can impact the availability and affordability of food especially any food needing to be obtained from another country. Import-dependent countries like America may face difficulties in accessing essential food items due to trade disruptions, leading to shortages.
During and after revolution transportation networks, storage facilities, irrigation systems, and markets may be lost. The loss of infrastructure and services can hinder the movement of agricultural products, storage capabilities, and food access. This can contribute to spoilage, wastage, and limited availability of food, exacerbating shortages.
Revolutionary governments may implement rapid policy changes that impact the agricultural sector. Decisions related to land redistribution, nationalization of industries, or price controls can have unintended consequences on food production and distribution. Economic mismanagement, such as excessive state control, corruption, or lack of expertise, can hinder agricultural productivity and exacerbate food shortages.
It is important to note that the impact of revolutions on food shortages can vary depending on specific historical contexts, the nature of the revolution, and subsequent policies and actions taken by the revolutionary government. Factors such as the duration of the revolutionary period, the level of violence, and external influences can also shape the severity and duration of food shortages. Still, without the organization, infrastructure for community farming and food distribution, and human and financial resources to obtain raw materials from outside countries, food shortages easily arise after revolution. This is why many support a democratically chosen change that will keep existing supply chains in place while transitioning wealth from concentrated in the hands of a few owners to dispersed among the hands of many workers.