Support and Opposition in the Russian Civil War

The support of various groups played a crucial role in the outcome of the Russian Civil War. The Bolsheviks managed to secure backing from key segments of the population, while the Whites struggled to gain widespread support.

Peasant Support: The support of the peasantry was vital for the Bolsheviks. The Land Decree, which legitimized the peasants' right to land, was a key factor in gaining their backing. This policy contrasted sharply with the Whites' stance, who made it clear that land seized by peasants would be restored to its former owners.

Quote: "The Bolshevik Land Decree had legitimised their right to Land."

Urban Workers: The Bolsheviks were seen as a better alternative among urban workers. They promised to protect the gains made during the February-October 1917 period, which resonated with those who had benefited from these changes.

National Minorities: The Bolshevik decree on Nationalities in 1918 offered hope for greater freedom under Bolshevik rule. In contrast, the Whites lost support from national minorities due to their desire to restore the Russian Empire to pre-1917 borders, adhering to the slogan "Russia One and indivisible."

Highlight: The Whites' association with the old system of government and their desire to return to pre-1917 conditions alienated many who had made gains during the revolutionary period.

Opposition to the Whites: The Whites faced several challenges in gaining support:

1. They were associated with the old system of government, which many viewed negatively.
2. They had little to offer the urban working classes in the cities.
3. Their policies represented a step back for those who had made gains in 1917.

Example: The Whites' promise to restore land to its former owners alienated peasants who had benefited from the Bolsheviks' land redistribution policies.

In summary, the Bolsheviks' policies and promises aligned more closely with the desires of key groups such as peasants, urban workers, and national minorities. This support base, combined with the Whites' failure to offer an attractive alternative, contributed significantly to the Bolsheviks' victory in the Civil War.

Lenin's Role in the Russian Civil War

Lenin played a crucial role in shaping the Bolshevik strategy during the Russian Civil War. He implemented several key policies and decisions that significantly impacted the course of the conflict.

One of Lenin's most controversial decisions was ordering the closure of the Constituent Assembly and reducing the rights of other political parties. This move consolidated Bolshevik power but also increased opposition to their rule.

Highlight: The signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany was a pivotal moment in the war. Lenin saw this as essential to winning the Civil War, as it allowed Russia to exit World War I and focus on internal threats.

Lenin introduced War Communism to ensure that the Red Army received necessary supplies. However, this policy led to famine and chaos among the general population.

Definition: War Communism was an economic policy implemented by the Bolsheviks during the Civil War, characterized by the nationalization of industry and the forced requisition of agricultural surpluses from peasants.

The Red Terror, supported by Lenin and carried out by the Cheka (secret police), was used to suppress opposition. This included the infamous execution of the Tsar and his family in 1918, which deprived the Whites of a unifying symbol.

Vocabulary: Cheka - The Bolshevik secret police organization, responsible for carrying out the Red Terror and suppressing opposition to Bolshevik rule.

Lenin took charge of the day-to-day running of Sovnarkom (the Council of People's Commissars) in 1918 and appointed Trotsky as Commissar for War, delegating military decisions to him. He supported Trotsky's decision to restore ranks in the army, recognizing the necessity of discipline for military success.