The Civil War 1918 - 21 Flashcards
What treaty angered many Russians and helped trigger the Civil War?
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk — many Russians were appalled by how much land was lost.
Why did nationalists and conservatives oppose the Bolsheviks?
They had everything to lose under Bolshevik plans for a workers’ and peasants’ Russia.
Why did former moderates (Mensheviks and SRs) turn against the Bolsheviks?
They opposed Bolshevik dictatorship and had wanted the Constituent Assembly to govern.
What was the Czech Legion and what role did it play?
A group of 40,000 Czech troops who took control of the Trans-Siberian Railway and opposed the Bolsheviks.
How did national minority groups contribute to the war?
Nationalities within the old Russian Empire (e.g., Ukraine, Estonia) wanted independence and to break away from Russia.
What did monarchists want during the Civil War?
To reinstate the tsar and the monarchy.
What tactics did the Bolsheviks use to control captured areas?
• Cheka hunted down and executed enemies
• Terror tactics to maintain control
What disciplinary method did the Red Army use for disobedient units?
One in every ten soldiers in retreating units was executed to ensure loyalty.
They also shot deserters of the red guard
What effect did the Civil War have on Bolshevik beliefs?
• Strengthened their belief in violence and terror
• Gave them a sense of ideological victory - strengthened their belief in their revolution
How did the Civil War affect Bolshevik government structure?
It led to a centralised, highly organised government with control from the centre.
How did foreign involvement increase Bolshevik fear?
The involvement of France, Britain, and other former allies made the Bolsheviks fear foreign invasion.
What were White armies and where were they?
Anti-Bolshevik forces surrounding Bolshevik-controlled areas, especially outside major cities like Moscow and Petrograd.
What important city did the Red Army successfully defend in October 1919?
Petrograd — a major turning point in the war.
Who was Admiral Kolchak and what did he do during the Civil War?
He led a White army from the east but was defeated by the Red Army in 1919.
Who was General Denikin and what happened to his army?
He led a White army from the south and came close to Moscow before being forced to retreat by the Red Army in 1920.
What did General Yudenich attempt during the Civil War?
He led a White army from the west, nearly capturing Petrograd, but was defeated by the Red Army in October 1919.
Who else did the Red Army have to fight besides the White armies?
A Green army, made up of peasants who wanted land and were resisting Bolshevik control.
What happened in the land lost through Brest-Litovsk?
Some areas declared independence; others became battlegrounds between Reds and Whites.
What was War Communism and how did it help the Red Army?
Introduced by Lenin, it helped supply the Red Army with food and equipment by taking control of industries and food production.
How big did the Red Army grow under the Bolsheviks?
Over 5 million soldiers.
Q: Why was controlling central Russia an advantage for the Bolsheviks?
• Shorter distances to supply their armies
• Contained most of Russia’s population (for conscription)
• Contained most of Russia’s industry (for weapons)and railways
How did Bolshevik propaganda help them win the war?
It spread a clear message that only the Bolsheviks would look after ordinary Russians.
How did the Bolsheviks avoid fighting all enemies at once?
They made tactical alliances so they could fight enemies one by one.
What position did Trotsky hold during the Civil War?
Commissar for War (appointed in 1918).
