2.4 Foreign Relations Flashcards
What was the Comintern which was set up in 1919?
The Comintern was a Soviet controlled international organisation which advocated for World Communism.
It’s primary goal from 1919-1924 was to support communist revolution in other countries such as Germany, Hungary and Finland.
It was chairmanned by Zinoviev.
Had social links with 34 other parties across Europe.
Why was the Comintern unsuccessful?
Lenin’s views differed from most other Communists parties so agreements between nations were rarely ever made.
The Comintern failed to have any long lasting effect in any other countries.
Why did Britain and France intervene with the Russian Civil War?
Britain and France did not want Russia to leave WWI and so wanted to remove the Bolsheviks.
They also claimed they did not want Germany to push into Russia’s territory.
There was also allied retaliation in response to the execution of the Tsar.
What were some examples of foreign intervention during the Russian Civil War?
In the north, British and French forces patrolled the Baltic Sea.
In the East, American, Chinese and Japanese troops invaded Eastern Siberia.
In the South, British and French naval troops in the Caspian Sea helped retreating Whites escaped the Red Army.
What was the outcome of the Russo-Polish War 1919-1921?
The Red Army initially seemed certain to claim victory, managing to push Polish troops back to Warsaw.
The Polish Commander, Pilsudski launched a last resort defensive ‘ the Miracle of Vistula’ which resulted in a sudden decisive victory for Poland.
This was a humiliating defeat for Russia and it dashed the idea that Communism would sweep through Europe.
What was the Treaty of Rapallo in 1922?
The treaty was signed between Russia and Germany on neutral ground in the Italian resort of Rapallo.
The treaty:
-renounced all territorial and finacial claims against each other
- promised friendly diplomatic relations.
- There was no military provision, but a secret military pact with one another which violated the Treaty of Versailles.
- This was the first great diplomatic success for the Bolsheviks
What was the Zinoviev Letter?
This was a fake letter conducted by a group of conspirators intending to influence the British public against the Labour Party fo the 1924 election.
Its contents stated that Zinoviev had commanded the Communists to speak into the Labour Party to spread Leninism into Britain.
As a result the Conservative won the election and relations between Russia and Britain soured.
