Role of Trotsky in Civil War Flashcards
What were Trotsky’s main roles in the Civil War?
He had over 3 million men to organise. To organise the troops, boost the troops’ morale and command the troops.
How did Trotsky boost the Red Army’s morale?
Travelled over 65,000 miles on a train during the war and visited the troops on the front lines. He delivered inspiring speeches.
How did Trotsky ensure that new Red Army recruits were trained?
He hired 50,000 ex-tsarist officers to train the newbies.
How did Trotsky ensure that army units were under strict Bolshevik control?
He appointed a Commissar to each Unit and ensured that his Commissar was a dedicated Bolshevik. These Commissars had to countersign any order from their unit to approve it.
Which two offences were punishable by death in the Red Army?
Desertion or disloyalty.
Who shot deserters in the Red Army?
The Cheka.
How did Trotsky ensure that they never ran out of soldiers?
Enforced conscription when necessary.
Which group of society did Trotsky force to do labour work?
The Bourgeoisie. They had to clear up debris and dead bodies from the front lines.
