russion revolution key question 4 Flashcards
How did the Bolsheviks consolidate power after the October Revolution?
They established control over key institutions, implemented radical policies, and suppressed opposition through the Cheka and Red Terror.
What was the role of the Soviet government in consolidating Bolshevik power?
The Sovnarkom (Council of People’s Commissars) led by Lenin became the executive body, overseeing the implementation of policies.
How did the Bolsheviks deal with the Constituent Assembly?
The Bolsheviks dissolved the Constituent Assembly in January 1918 after it failed to support their government.
What was the significance of the Decree on Land (1917)?
It promised land redistribution to peasants, winning their support and helping to secure the rural population’s loyalty.
How did the Decree on Peace (1917) help consolidate Bolshevik power?
It fulfilled their promise to end Russia’s involvement in World War I, gaining support from soldiers and war-weary citizens.
What was the role of the Cheka in consolidating Bolshevik power?
The Cheka, the Bolshevik secret police, suppressed opposition, executed political enemies, and dealt with perceived threats to the regime.
How did the Red Terror contribute to the consolidation of power?
The Red Terror targeted political opponents, counter-revolutionaries, and class enemies, intimidating and eliminating resistance.
How did the Bolsheviks maintain control of the military?
They established the Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky, to fight against counter-revolutionary forces during the Russian Civil War.
What was the role of Leon Trotsky in consolidating Bolshevik power?
Trotsky served as Commissar for War and reorganized the Red Army, using strict discipline to ensure loyalty and effectiveness.
How did the Russian Civil War (1917-1922) help the Bolsheviks consolidate power?
Victory in the Civil War against the White Army allowed the Bolsheviks to secure control over most of Russia and eliminate military threats.
Who were the White Army, and what threat did they pose to the Bolsheviks?
The White Army consisted of anti-Bolshevik forces, including monarchists, liberals, and foreign-supported factions, posing a threat to Bolshevik rule.
What was the role of foreign intervention in the Russian Civil War?
Allied forces from Britain, France, and Japan supported the White Army, hoping to prevent the spread of communism.
How did the Bolsheviks deal with foreign intervention during the Civil War?
The Bolsheviks successfully mobilized nationalistic sentiment, portraying themselves as defenders of Russian sovereignty against foreign invaders.
How did the Bolsheviks address economic issues during the Civil War?
They introduced War Communism, nationalizing industry, centralizing distribution, and requisitioning grain from peasants.
What was War Communism, and why was it implemented?
War Communism was a policy to centralize control of the economy and resources to support the Red Army during the Civil War.
How did War Communism affect the Russian population?
It led to food shortages, forced labor, and resentment from peasants who were forced to give up grain and other goods.
How did the Bolsheviks use propaganda to consolidate power?
The Bolsheviks used newspapers, slogans, and posters to promote their revolutionary agenda and gain popular support.
What was the role of the Communist Party in consolidating power?
The Communist Party became the only legal political party, ensuring centralized control over the state and society.
How did the Bolsheviks handle the Russian Orthodox Church?
They confiscated church property, persecuted clergy, and promoted atheism as part of their broader secularization agenda.
How did the Bolsheviks handle the national minorities within the Russian Empire?
They granted autonomy to some nationalities, like Ukraine and Georgia, but eventually suppressed nationalist movements to maintain central control.
What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, and why did it help consolidate Bolshevik power?
The treaty, signed in March 1918, ended Russia’s involvement in World War I, removing a major external threat and allowing the Bolsheviks to focus on internal issues.
Why did the Bolsheviks suppress the left-wing opposition?
They feared that rival socialist factions, like the Left SRs, might challenge their control, leading to the dissolution of the Left SRs in 1918.
How did the Bolsheviks manage the economy after the Civil War?
They implemented the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921, allowing some degree of private enterprise and peasant market activity to stabilize the economy.
What was the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
The NEP was a set of economic reforms that allowed small private businesses and private ownership of land, intended to rebuild the economy after the Civil War.
How did the NEP help stabilize the Soviet economy?
It restored agricultural production and trade by allowing peasants to sell surplus crops and allowed small businesses to operate for profit.
How did the Bolsheviks deal with the Kronstadt Rebellion?
The Bolsheviks crushed the Kronstadt Rebellion in 1921, which was a revolt by sailors against War Communism and Bolshevik policies.
What was the impact of the Kronstadt Rebellion on Bolshevik rule?
It marked a turning point, leading to the introduction of the NEP as the Bolsheviks realized the need for economic and political concessions.
How did the Bolsheviks eliminate political opposition?
Through censorship, arrests, and executions of political rivals, including the Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries.
What was the role of the Red Army in consolidating Bolshevik power?
The Red Army, under Trotsky’s leadership, played a crucial role in defeating the White Army and securing Bolshevik control.
What role did the Soviet system play in consolidating power?
Soviets were used as instruments of control, with local and national soviets being run by Bolsheviks who implemented their policies.
How did the Bolsheviks control the media?
They took control of newspapers, radio, and print to spread their ideology and suppress opposition voices.
What role did Lenin’s leadership play in consolidating Bolshevik power?
Lenin’s strong leadership and clear direction helped keep the Bolshevik party united and focused on maintaining power despite internal and external challenges.
How did the Bolsheviks secure control over the countryside?
They relied on the Red Army to suppress peasant revolts and ensure food requisitioning for the war effort.
How did the Bolsheviks deal with opposition within the Communist Party?
The Bolsheviks used purges, including the elimination of figures like Trotsky and other potential rivals, to maintain control.
Why was the Bolshevik victory in the Civil War crucial for their consolidation of power?
It allowed the Bolsheviks to control most of Russia, defeat their rivals, and eliminate any significant opposition.
How did the Bolsheviks control labor unions?
They took control of the labor unions and used them to mobilize workers for the war effort and maintain strict discipline.
How did the international communist movement help the Bolsheviks consolidate power?
The Bolshevik victory inspired communist movements around the world and strengthened the legitimacy of their rule.
Why was the period from 1917 to 1921 crucial for the Bolsheviks?
This period marked the consolidation of Bolshevik power through victory in the Civil War, repression of opposition, and economic reform.
