Bolshevik Consolidation 1918-1921 Flashcards
How did the Bolsheviks establish a one-party state? (4)
Abandoned the title “ministers” and replaced it with “people’s commissars”.
Sovnarkom replaced with the Cabinet.
Central Committee was formalised in 1919 as the Politburo.
The Red Army of the workers and peasants was formed.
The structure of the new constitution was centralised.
What was the Central Committee?
It determined the parties policies and in 1919 was formalised as the Politburo.
What were the Cheka?
In December 1917 Sovnarkom established its own secret police. The Cheka were formed to terrorise the Bolsheviks opposition.
How many people did the Cheka employ?
In March 1918 they employed 120 people and by 1921 that had risen to 143,000 employees.
How many votes did the Bolsheviks get in the November constituent assembly elections?
24%
What happened to the Constituent Assembly?
It was forcibly closed and never met again. When civilians demonstrated against this they were fired upon and 12 were killed.
What were the reasons for Russia leaving WW1? (4)
Most civilians were against it.
Lenin believed ending the war was essential to the survival of the new government.
It also provided a chance for the economy to recover.
Civil war looked inevitable and Russia’s military was exhausted.
What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
It was the treaty that ended WW1 for Russia
What were the terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk? (4)
Russia lost 32% of it’s European land, 25% of its railway network, 33% of its factories and 75% of its coal and iron.
Was the treaty of Brest-Litovsk popular in Russia?
No, many Bolsheviks were against it and it increased support for the SRs and Mensheviks.
Which decrees helped the Bolsheviks consolidate their power?
The Workers decree.
Decree to outlaw sex discrimination.
Press decree.
Bank decree.
What was the workers decree?
The decree was released in October 1917 and it established a maximum 8 hour working day.
When was the decree to outlaw sex discrimination?
November 1917 and it gave women the same rights as men.
What was the press decree?
This banned opposition press.
What was the bank decree?
Released in December 1917 and it nationalised banks and ended private flow of capital.
