Foreign Intervention in the Civil War Flashcards
Where were foreign troops mainly stationed in the Civil War? Were they much of a threat?
Between 1918 and 1920 they were stationed at the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Far East. No because little fighting took place.
What was the main reason for foreign intervention in 1918?
To keep Russia fighting in the First World War so the Germans on the Eastern front didn’t suddenly all move the Western Front. Selfish foreign powers basically.
What economic reason was there for foreign intervention?
Protect the armaments and war supplies that the Allies had sent to Russia.
Another ideological reason for foreign intervention in the Civil War?
To support anti-Bolshevik forces.
How did the Allies find out about activities in Russia? What was the problem with this?
Spies, but the information was often muddled and outdated.
Which important trade negotiations came in November 1920?
British and Soviet trade deal!
What was the Comintern? What did it promote?
International Socialist Organisation. Promoted the spreading of Marxism.
Who was Chairman of the Comintern?
Zinoviev, but Lenin was the main man.
When was the first meeting of the Comintern?
March 1919.
Who supported the theory of worldwide revolution at the first Comintern?
Trotsky and Lenin, the boyos.
At the first Comintern, who did Lenin think was ripe for revolution?
Germany! But the Spartacist Uprising (Social Uprising) was crushed brutally with the leaders killed. So mebs not.
When was the second meeting of the Comintern?
August 1920.
What was debated at the Second Comintern?
Debates over Lenin’s 21 Conditions, which outlined the relationship between Communist Parties and ‘Bourgeois-Democratic’ Socialist Parties.
The unexpected Polish victory at Warsaw dashed hopes of a Polish revolution.
When was the Third Comintern? What did Lenin decided to switch his focus to after this?
Summer 1921. Switched from a focus on the spreading of worldwide revolution to a focus on internal Russian affairs.
What did the Allies focus on doing for Poland after the ending of the First World War?
Establishing Poland as an independent state.
What did the New Poland consist of which bothered Russia?
Territories that had previously belonged to the Tsar.
Why was it difficult for Russia to defend its own borders?
Didn’t really know them anymore because there were no Russian representatives at the Paris Peace Conferences.
Where did Poland want to expand?
Into Belarus and Ukraine. This bothered Russia, triggering Red Army skirmishes.
What did Lenin see Poland as?
A bridge to the West. He thought he could spread revolution into Germany and the rest of the West if he got control of Poland.
Who did the Polish ally with in April 1920? Why did this cause an issue for Russia?
They allied with the Ukrainian Military. They then mounted an attack on Kiev and had rapid success.
When did Poland and Ukraine occupy Kiev?
In May 1920.
What did the Red Army do in response to the occupation of Kiev in May 1920?
They launched a counter-attack on Poland and Ukraine and it was very successful. Pushed them all the way back to Warsaw by August 1920.
What happened at Warsaw in August 1920?
It looked as though the Red Army were gonna win, but then Poland led an incredible counter-attack and managed to win.
What was the outcome of the Russo-Polisn War?
The Treaty of Riga in March 1921.
