Unit 5: Civil War

Question 1

Red Geo advantage

Answer 1

The Reds Occupied the central areas of Russia, including Petrograd and Moscow. This gave them supplies from the old Tsarist Army to use.

In December 1917, the Reds raided an inventory of supplies from the Old Tsarist army in the central area which contained about 2.5 million rifles, granting them a much larger advantage to the under supplied Whites.

Question 2

Central heavily occupied

Answer 2

The Reds also had other geographical advantages. The central areas were heavily populated- significantly more than White areas. Unlike the citizens in parts of the White areas, these citizens were ethnic Russians who were more willing to fight for the country. It allowed the Bolsheviks to conscript a large number of workers and outnumber the White Army.

Question 3

Transportation Advantages

Answer 3

Control of the central area also allowed for easier transportation through the railways. The Bolsheviks had control of the main railway networks, and were able to send troops out more efficiently than the Whites who had to travel longer distances often by horseback. This contributed to the White defeat as they were easily outmanoeuvred.

Question 4

Peasant Land gains

Answer 4

The largest proportion of the White recruits were peasants who wanted to protect the land gains from 1917. The Reds offered a better chance of this than the old government, and some peasant support moved towards the Reds who offered a wonderful new society.

Question 5

Stephen Lee CW historiography

Answer 5

Stephen Lee mentions how although the Reds were not popular, they were supported as the “lesser of two rivals” which helped the Reds expand their army and defeat the Whites.

Question 6

Fitzpatrick CW historiography

Answer 6

However, Sheila Fitzpatrick provides a counter argument on the geographical importance. She explains how large parts of the country such as Siberia and Ukraine were not under Moscow’s control, limiting the Red influence. The Whites also had the better advantage of having more coal and food in their areas.

Question 7

Figes CW historiography

Answer 7

The White’s inability to gain mass support was also a large problem. Figes’ emphasises how the White’s defeat was a “failure of politics” as they failed to utilise the people, worsening their problem with being outnumbered.

Question 8

Service CW historiography

Answer 8

Service largely credits Trotsky’s role in the Red Army as someone who transformed it with good organisational skills. He was good at training new members with “an eye for young talent.

Question 9

Mawdsley CW historiography

Answer 9

Mawdsley however, whilst agrees that Trotsky did have some role, believes his importance is overstated. He claims that even though he effectively acted as a figurehead for men to rally around, he wasn’t involved in battles or direct victories. He believes that other leaders also had an important role eg Sverdlov, Rykov and Stalin.

Question 10

Role of Trotsky in CW

Answer 10

Travelled around the country in trains with materials, supplies and weaponry. Boosted morale of Red Army.