R2.2 The Civil War Flashcards
What were societal themes during the Civil War?
-Hostility to foreign involvement gave Reds a propaganda platform
-Peasants support varied, generally Red land policies more popular than Whites association with Tsarist policies
Where did Reds and Whites have influence?
Reds had more influence on those in industrial towns and cities as they commanded most areas where armament factories were, which were also most densely populated. Whites had more influence on Countryside, less-developed areas
What were economic themes during the Civil War?
WW1 had only very recently ended and Bolsheviks had to put up a good fight, so was detrimental for economy. Effects were soon to be seen in years to come…
Following civil war, new central controls brought in to manage economy and help food shortages
What were political themes during the civil war?
Red’s policies generally more in line with what people wanted, so in many places Bolsheviks maintained support, and based in Pet and Moscow
Civil War increased centralisation of power and greater Bolshevik control of government. Lenin wanted to make sure Bolshevik’s looked controlled, disciplined and lead from the centre.
Lenin spoke of democratic centralism, though the one-party state was tightened
What were military themes during the civil war?
Bolsheviks had Trotsky using professional force, reintroducing harsh disciplinary measures, desertion execution, ranks, practices and conscription. Whereas, whites weren’t placed under pressure, lacked one leader and no unified loyalty
What were the two main military stages during the civil war?
1918-1920: East (Kolchak/Czech Legion) and South (Denikin) Bolsheviks hold area around Moscow
1920-1921: West (Yudenich, Poles, Denikin) Reds drove back Poles. Treaty of Riga
What did Treaty of Riga end?
Polish-Soviet war
What were ideological themes during the civil war?
-Death of Tsar and family, the family were kept prisoners by Bolshevik but Cheka shot Tsar and whole family July 1918 in Yekaterinburg to remove potential threat
What were the roles of individuals and groups during the civil war?
Trotsky and Reds: crucial role in organising Bolshevk operations, he played a significant role in propaganda nad motivation. Presence amongst troops boosted morale, was an effective leader and white’s didn’t have that
Whites: No unified reason other than opposition to reds, not all Tsarists, no single leader, communication difficulties
Greens: represented national minorities (Ukrainians, Georgians) who wanted to keep Reds and Whites out of areas or independence
What were three causes of the civil war?
-Bolshevik failures
-Bolshevik domination
-Dislike of the bolsheviks
Explain Bolshevik failures is a cause of the civil war…
-Treaty of Brest Litovsk
-Poor economic situation
-Harsh treatment of Bourgeoisie
Explain how Bolshevik domination is a cause of the civil war…
-1918 constitution
-Closure of constituent assembly
-Domination of Sovnarkom
-Decree on Press
Explain how Dislike of the Bolsheviks is a cause to the Civil War…
-Military seizure of power
-Tsarist longing and nostalgia
-Assassination attempts on Lenin
What three causes were why the Reds won the civil war?
-Whites failures
-Role of Trotsky in Red Army
-Other factors
Explain whites failures as a cause for Red victory
-Lack of unified motive
-Lack of leader
-Communication problems
Explain Trotsky and Red Army as a cause for Red Victory
-Presence using train and elite force inspired morale in troops and Bolshevik leaders
-Harsher discipline organised and professional
-Recruitment: Former tsarists and commissars
Explain Other factors towards Reds victory in the Civil War
-Reds policies were more popular and supported
-Hostility to foreign intervention
-National minorities: greens
In what 5 ways did the Civil war effect Bolshevik Policy?
-Centralisation, Politbru, democratic centralism
-Growth of Party Bureaucracy
-Creation of the Soviet Union
-Moscow becomes capital city
-Policies to deal with economic problems
What event marked the beginning of the civil war?
April/May 1918: Bolsheviks tried to arrest Czech soldiers travelling across Russia on Trans-Siberian railway, Czech seize parts of Railway and joined the whites to advance towards Moscow
What event marked the end of the civil war?
Mar 1921: Treaty of Riga signed granting independence to poland and a number of other states
When was Kolchak killed?
Feb 1920
When did the Reds formally defeat the whites?
Oct 1920, although kept fighting Poles until 1921
