Question

industrial and agricultural output (in millions of tons)
1913 1921 1928
coal 29.0 9.0 35.0
grain 80.0 37.6 73.3
iron and steel 8.5 0.3 7.3
the new economic policy (nep) was established in 1921. what was the effect of this policy change?

• it increased government control of the economy, increasing production.
• it allowed more private ownership of farms and businesses, increasing production.
• it increased government control of the economy, decreasing production.
• it allowed more private ownership of farms and businesses, decreasing production.

Explanation:

The New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921 shifted from strict state control (like War Communism) to allowing more private ownership in farms and small businesses. The table shows production (coal, grain, iron/steel) increased from 1921 to 1928. Options with "increased government control" are incorrect (NEP reduced state control in some areas). Options with "decreasing production" contradict the table. So the correct option is the one about private ownership and increased production.

Answer:

B. It allowed more private ownership of farms and businesses, increasing production.