Bolshevik consolidation of power, 1917 - 1924 Flashcards
What were the four main reasons for the Bolsheviks being able to consolidate their power?
Pragmatic decisions to ensure survival.
Ruthless methods and terror.
Staying in control
Defeated the Whites during the whites during the Civil War.
How did the Bolsheviks pragmatic decisions ensure their survival?
Initially gave peasants and workers what they wanted to gain support after the October Revolution.
Passed a number of other measures that were popular with workers.
They abolished titles and ranks.
What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
They signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which ended Russia’s involvement in the war.
What economic policies were enforced?
Employed the policy of War Communism.
Seized grain from the peasants to feed their workforce in cities so they could continue to run industries essential to the war effort.
Introduced the NEP, which was an economic concession to ensure survival.
What were the ruthless methods and terror?
Set up the Cheka (secret police) to deal with opposition.
Arrested other party leaders, from the Kadets, SRs and Mensheviks.
Used force to end strikes and demonstrations against them.
Class warfare was used to terrorise the middle classes.
This pleased the peasants and workers and made it difficult for anyone to criticise the Bolsheviks.
Used repressive measures during the NEP to consolidate their position.
How did they stay in control?
Refused to take part in a coalition government, crushing any idea of a Constituent Assembly.
Established one-party control.
Exploited the weaknesses of their opposition who underestimated them.
What as the main reason for their win in the Civil War?
Mainly down to Trotsky’s skilful planning.
