The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Flashcards
What did Lenin tell his comrades in September 1917 in regards to the need to leave WWI?
“To secure a truce at present means to conquer the whole world.”
Why did Lenin strongly advocate for the end of the war?
Russian soldiers had been tricked into fighting Austrian and German fellows, should be overthrowing capitalists.
Decree on Peace was acclaimed amongst workers, soldiers, and peasants.
Lenin believed obtaining peace would strengthen Russia’s revolution to inspire ones elsewhere.
When was a ceasefire negotiated in 1917?
2 December
What divisions emerged amongst the Bolsheviks in relation to the war with Germany?
Faction led by Bukharin becomes known as Left Communists, supported by Left SRs. Believed in a ‘revolutionary war.’ Treaty would endorse German imperialism. Argued ‘revolutionary consciousness’ of the proletariat would be roused by German invasion;Germans defeated; socialist revolution launched.
How did Lenin argue against Left Communists and Left SRs? Who was he supported by?
“Germant is still only pregnant with revolution; and a quite healthy child has been born to us - a socialist republic which we may kill…” The people, Stalin, Sverdlov.
What was Trotsky’s position on war with Germany?
“Neither peace nor war.”
When did Trotsky lead negotiations with German High Command? What was his position?
Late December - February 1917-18. Commissar of Foreign Affairs.
How did Trotsky stall negotiations with Germans?
Give the impression of signing a treaty, then would reject them.
Bolshevik agitators spread revolutionary ideas amongst German troops, fraternisation between two camps, encouraged to “turn imperialist war into civl war.”
Trotsky called for a fair and equitable peace with the German public as well as the German government.
Why did Trotsky think Germany was on the brink of revolution?
In late January German workers went on strike to protest immediate peace with Russian without annexation or indemnities.
What was the ultimatum issued by Germany in February? What was Trotsky’s response?
Bolsheviks are forced to either accept terms on offer or have hostilities resume.
Trotsky declares Russia would pull out of the war but would not sign a German peace treaty.
When did Germans launch an offensive in February 1918? How many troops did they deploy? What was the impact?
18 Feb. 700 000.
Germany army met no resistance, Bolshevik government thrown into disarray.
What happened on 12 March 1918?
Capital is moved from Petrograd to Moscow.
How did a historian describe the issue of German invasion in Feb-March 1918?
“Most profound crisis within the party during Lenin’s years as head of state.” Rabinowitch
How did Lenin coerce the Bolsheviks to agree with him to sign a treaty?
Threatened to resign
When did the Soviet Government tell Berlin they were willing to sign a treaty?What was the response?
19 February 1918.
German troops continue marching and do not reply for three days.