Russian Civil War

Definition

The Russian Civil War was a multi-party conflict that took place between 1917 and 1922, following the Bolshevik Revolution. It involved the Red Army, representing the Bolsheviks, against the White Army, which consisted of various anti-Bolshevik factions, and was crucial in shaping the future of Russia. The civil war directly influenced the establishment of the Soviet Union and marked a significant transformation in the political landscape after the collapse of Tsarism and the initial revolutionary movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The civil war resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates ranging from 7 to 12 million deaths due to combat, famine, and disease.
2. Foreign powers, including Britain, France, Japan, and the United States, intervened on behalf of the White Army, fearing the spread of communism.
3. The Red Army's victory in 1920 established Bolshevik control over Russia, leading to the formation of the Soviet Union in 1922.
4. The conflict intensified class struggles within Russia, as peasants and workers were mobilized either for or against Bolshevik policies.
5. The aftermath of the civil war saw the introduction of War Communism, which aimed to centralize control over production but led to economic hardship and discontent among the populace.

Review Questions

• How did the Russian Civil War shape the political landscape of post-revolutionary Russia?
  • The Russian Civil War significantly shaped post-revolutionary Russia by solidifying Bolshevik power and eliminating major opposition forces. The victory of the Red Army not only established a communist regime but also dismantled remnants of Tsarist authority and anti-Bolshevik groups. This outcome laid the foundation for a one-party state under Lenin and eventually led to the formation of the Soviet Union in 1922.
• In what ways did foreign intervention affect the dynamics of the Russian Civil War?
  • Foreign intervention played a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the Russian Civil War by providing support to anti-Bolshevik factions. Countries like Britain, France, and Japan sent troops and supplies to bolster the White Army, driven by fears of communism spreading beyond Russia. However, this intervention often backfired; it fueled nationalist sentiments among Russians and helped consolidate support for the Bolsheviks as they portrayed themselves as defenders against foreign imperialism.
• Evaluate how War Communism as a policy emerged from the necessities of the Russian Civil War and its long-term implications for Soviet society.
  • War Communism emerged as a direct response to the severe economic challenges posed by the Russian Civil War. The Bolsheviks needed to ensure adequate supplies for their Red Army while managing a collapsing economy. This policy involved nationalizing industries and requisitioning agricultural produce from peasants. While it allowed them to sustain their military efforts temporarily, War Communism led to widespread discontent among workers and peasants alike, ultimately contributing to its replacement with the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921. The long-term implications included a shift towards a mixed economy that acknowledged some level of private enterprise while maintaining state control.

Related terms

Bolsheviks: A faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party that seized power during the October Revolution and led the Red Army during the civil war.

White Army: A coalition of anti-Bolshevik forces during the Russian Civil War, including monarchists, liberals, and socialist factions opposed to Bolshevik rule.

War Communism: An economic and political system implemented by the Bolsheviks during the civil war, which aimed to control all aspects of the economy to support the war effort.