The Civil War: Reasons for the Reds winning - Reds Strengths

Question 1

Factors in the Bolsheviks winning

Answer 1

1. Leadership
2. Ruthlessness
3. Trotsky
4. Geography

Question 2

Who were the leaders of the Bolsheviks during the Civil War

Answer 2

Party leader - Lenin

War commissar - Trotsky

Question 3

Who did lenin have the support of

Answer 3

The masses, following the Oct revolution

Question 4

What did Lenin provide throughout the Civil War

Answer 4

A sense of energy and drive that proved pivotal in inspiring success

Question 5

What did Lenin believe throughout the War effort

Answer 5

He had unwavering thoughts of success and complete courage in Bolshevik victory. This trickled down from the top and proved itself throughout the army

Question 6

Was the leadership ever challenged

Answer 6

No the leadership was never challenged during the Civil War.

Question 7

What did the Bolsheviks show under Lenin

Answer 7

Complete ruthlessness in making sure they did not face rebellion in areas they controlled

Question 8

What did the Bolsheviks close down that showed their ruthlessness

Answer 8

The constituent assembly, it contained the majority of Social Revolutionaries and it rid them of the opposition.. They fired on protesters and killed 7 - shows terror

Question 9

What did the Bolsheviks do regarding opposition parties

Answer 9

Shut down all opposition parties and arrested all leaders

Question 10

What did the Bolsheviks do regarding newspapers

Answer 10

Shut down all opposition newspapers over than Pravda

Question 11

What did the Bolsheviks create to ensure opposition was defeated

Answer 11

The CHEKA (secret police)

They killed 300,000 and ensured Lenin’s word was ultimate

Question 12

Where did the Bolsheviks control

Answer 12

The area between Petrograd and Moscow

Question 13

Why was controlling the area between Petrograd and Moscow a big advantage

Answer 13

Because most of Russia’s railways were situated in this area

Question 14

What was Trotsky able to do as a result of their position

Answer 14

Move troops and supplies readily to areas under attack.

Question 15

What did Trotsky’s position as Commissar for War enable him to do

Answer 15

Visit battlefronts in an armoured train and take Personal Command of the army

Question 16

What did the large population in this area allow the Bolsheviks to do

Answer 16

Provide the Bolshevik’s with fresh recruits

Question 17

What was located in the Bolsheviks position

Answer 17

Much of Russia’s industry, food and munitions - they were able to keep troops supplied with weapons, ammunition and supplies.

Question 18

What role did propaganda play

Answer 18

A highly effective propaganda campaign was instilled in the areas they controlled.

Speeches, newspapers and posters told everyone they controlled Russia. They were used VERY excessively

Question 19

What did the propaganda state

Answer 19

That the white armies would reverse the gains of the revolution