Red Army

Definition

The Red Army was the military force of the Bolshevik government during and after the Russian Revolution, formed in 1918 to protect the newly established Soviet state from internal and external threats. It played a crucial role in the civil war against the White Army and other factions, embodying the ideals of communist revolution and socialism while also being a symbol of the Bolshevik's fight for power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Red Army was officially established in January 1918 as a response to the threats posed by counter-revolutionary forces and foreign intervention following the October Revolution.
2. Leon Trotsky served as the People's Commissar for War and played a vital role in organizing and leading the Red Army, promoting discipline and revolutionary zeal among its ranks.
3. The Red Army was known for its effective use of propaganda, which helped to gain support from peasants and workers while instilling a sense of purpose among its soldiers.
4. During the Russian Civil War (1917-1922), the Red Army successfully defeated various factions, including the White Army, securing Bolshevik control over Russia.
5. Post-civil war, the Red Army underwent significant reorganization and modernization, eventually becoming a key military force in global conflicts during the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the Red Army reflect the goals and ideology of the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution?
  • The formation of the Red Army reflected the Bolsheviks' goals by serving as a military means to protect and spread their revolutionary ideals. Established in 1918, it aimed to defend the socialist state against internal opposition and foreign intervention. The army's structure and recruitment were infused with communist ideology, emphasizing class struggle and unity among workers and peasants, which aligned with Bolshevik principles.
• Evaluate the significance of Leon Trotsky's leadership in shaping the effectiveness of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War.
  • Leon Trotsky's leadership was crucial for transforming the Red Army into a formidable fighting force during the Russian Civil War. His role as People's Commissar for War involved implementing strict discipline, enhancing organizational structures, and integrating former imperial army officers into command positions. Trotsky's emphasis on ideological training ensured that soldiers remained committed to Bolshevik principles, which ultimately contributed to their military successes against diverse opposition forces.
• Analyze how the legacy of the Red Army influenced subsequent military developments in Russia and globally throughout the 20th century.
  • The legacy of the Red Army significantly influenced military developments both in Russia and globally throughout the 20th century. After securing victory in the civil war, it laid foundational principles for modern Soviet military organization and tactics, which were later utilized during World War II. Moreover, its establishment marked a shift in military ideology that emphasized state control over armed forces, influencing communist movements worldwide. The Red Army's evolution into a powerful military entity exemplified how revolutionary movements could shape national defense policies, impacting global geopolitics for decades.

Related terms

Bolsheviks: A faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party led by Vladimir Lenin that seized power during the October Revolution in 1917 and established a socialist government.

White Army: A coalition of anti-Bolshevik forces that fought against the Red Army during the Russian Civil War, consisting of monarchists, liberals, and other groups opposed to Bolshevik rule.

Cheka: The first Soviet secret police organization, created to combat counter-revolutionary activities and enforce Bolshevik policies during the early years of the Soviet regime.