6 - The Civil War

Question 1

What were the main reasons for the Tsar’s execution on the 17th July 1918?

Answer 1

• The Czech Legion were surrounding Ekaterinburg, they were part of the Whites as they believed the Bolsheviks were working with the Germans after the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. They invaded Ekaterinburg eight days after the execution .
• Declaration of terror, shows how no individuals’ lives are important in the Civil War
• Strongly opposed the monarchy (Lenin’s brother was killed by Nicholas’ father Alexander III)
• Removes possibility of restoration of the Tsar

Question 2

What were the main reasons for the Civil War?

Answer 2

• Economic and social hardship continued with continued rationing, people were growing more frustrated.
• Bolshevik reforms did not have popularity amongst many. Decree on Land meant many nobles and landlords lost their land to peasants, they then joined the Whites.
• The dissolving of the Constituent Assembly, many believed that the Bolsheviks wrongfully took power.
• The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and the discontent it caused

Question 3

Who were the opponents of the Bolsheviks?

Answer 3

• The Whites (Former Tsarists, nationalists, nobles, moderate socialists and social revolutionaries who wanted the restoration of the Constituent Assembly).
• The Greens (National minorities who wanted independence)
• Foreign Powers

Question 4

Why were the UK involved in the Civil War and what was their role?

Answer 4

• The UK feared the spread of communism throughout their country
• They supporter Admiral Kolchak in the East, who captured Kazan and Samara in June 1919, but was forced to retreat by autumn the same year
• They also supported General Yudenich to reach the outskirts of a Petrograd in October 1919, but could not capture the railway.

Question 5

Why were France involved in the Civil War and what was their role?

Answer 5

• Feared the spread of communism through their country
• Soldiers of France were not keen to fight - many mutinies in the Black Sea
• Supported General Denikin, who attacked from the south in the summer of 1918, and attacked Tsaritsyn, which was defended.
• Denikin launched another offensive in 1919 which got within 320km of Moscow, but was driven back by Trotsky

Question 6

Why were the USA involved in the Civil War and what was their role?

Answer 6

• Feared the spread of communism and the decline of capitalism
• Left by 1920
• Left after proposing armistice talks which the Bolsheviks accepted but Whites refused
• The USA mainly aided Admiral Kolchak and General Denikin, along with the British and French

Question 7

Why were Japan involved in the Civil War and what was their role?

Answer 7

• Japan were more interested in taking valuable territory than fighting the Bolsheviks
• Supported White General Semenov
• However he was unable to keep his soldiers under control, they stole and burned , and murdered civilians
• In July 1920, the Japanese started their withdrawal and Semenov was defeated in October 1920 by the Red Army

Question 8

What played a big role in foreign intervention being ineffective?

Answer 8

Most of the foreign countries had a lack of troops and resources to spare after World War One.

Foreign intervention also gave the Bolsheviks a propaganda opportunity, to present themselves as the defenders of Russia.

Question 9

What were the main reasons why the Bolsheviks won the Civil War?

Answer 9

• War Communism: Directing all necessary resources towards the army, winning the war was highly prioritised.
• Trotsky’s leadership and control over the Red Army: Was a strong leader and commander, restored order in the army by restoring discipline and conscription, promoted talented soldiers instead of wealthy ones.
• Interior lines tactic: Capital was moved to Moscow at the hub of the railway, had many factories to produce many weapons and used the railway to transport troops and supplies rapidly.

Question 10

What were the main weaknesses of the White Army?

Answer 10

• Geographical spread: Did not control the railway and wee scattered around the edges so communication was poor and there were no coordination in attacks
• Poor leadership: Commanders were cruel so soldiers lacked loyalty and there was corruption present
• Lack of unity: Could not decide what they were fighting for as a whole and did not have a military strategy. Lost support of the nationalist groups such as the Ukrainians and Georgians