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    Russian Civil War? Explain Your Answer

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    ar15t0tle
    The document discusses the role of Trotsky in the Bolsheviks' victory in the Russian Civil War. It argues that while the Bolsheviks had advantages like control of key terrain and cities, unity of purpose, and the policy of War Communism, Trotsky's leadership was also highly significant. Trotsky established strict discipline in the Red Army, introduced policies like conscription nationwide, and was a brilliant orator who motivated troops. Overall, the document concludes that while the Bolsheviks' preexisting strengths helped, Trotsky's radical military strategies and organization were also major reasons for their success in the Civil War.

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    Russian Civil War? Explain Your Answer

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    ar15t0tle
    72 views4 pages
    The document discusses the role of Trotsky in the Bolsheviks' victory in the Russian Civil War. It argues that while the Bolsheviks had advantages like control of key terrain and cities, unity of purpose, and the policy of War Communism, Trotsky's leadership was also highly significant. Trotsky established strict discipline in the Red Army, introduced policies like conscription nationwide, and was a brilliant orator who motivated troops. Overall, the document concludes that while the Bolsheviks' preexisting strengths helped, Trotsky's radical military strategies and organization were also major reasons for their success in the Civil War.

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    The document discusses the role of Trotsky in the Bolsheviks' victory in the Russian Civil War. It argues that while the Bolsheviks had advantages like control of key terrain and cities, unity of purpose, and the policy of War Communism, Trotsky's leadership was also highly significant. Trotsky established strict discipline in the Red Army, introduced policies like conscription nationwide, and was a brilliant orator who motivated troops. Overall, the document concludes that while the Bolsheviks' preexisting strengths helped, Trotsky's radical military strategies and organization were also major reasons for their success in the Civil War.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    72 views4 pages

    Russian Civil War? Explain Your Answer

    Uploaded by

    ar15t0tle
    The document discusses the role of Trotsky in the Bolsheviks' victory in the Russian Civil War. It argues that while the Bolsheviks had advantages like control of key terrain and cities, unity of purpose, and the policy of War Communism, Trotsky's leadership was also highly significant. Trotsky established strict discipline in the Red Army, introduced policies like conscription nationwide, and was a brilliant orator who motivated troops. Overall, the document concludes that while the Bolsheviks' preexisting strengths helped, Trotsky's radical military strategies and organization were also major reasons for their success in the Civil War.

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    of 4

    Page 1! of 4!

    Arya Singh 9C
    Word Count: 1,170

    Question: How significant was the role of Trotsky in the achievement of victory by the Bolsheviks in the

    Russian Civil War? Explain your answer.

    Answer:

    There are numerous significant factors concerning the success of the Bolsheviks in the Civil War of

    1918. The Bolsheviks, also known as the Red Terrors were considered the lesser of two evils when

    compared to their opponents, groups of Anti-Bolshevik elements known as the Whites. The Reds

    had clear advantages regarding terrain, public opinion, unity, political superiority as well as the

    policy of War Communism. However one can largely contribute the triumph of the Russian Civil

    War to a singular political figure, Leon Trotsky. The Bolsheviks trounced in the Civil War due to

    Trotsky’s brilliant oration, exemplary political thinking as well as his innate ability to work with

    military specialists. These factors generated the opinion that Trotsky was the prime reason for the

    feat of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War but it can be argued that the advantages of the

    Bolsheviks and weaknesses of the Whites resulted in their success.

    Firstly, the Bolsheviks had a large advantage regarding terrain. When the Civil War first began the

    central regions of Russia which spanned between Petrograd and Moscow. This provided them with

    access to a large amount of Russia's railways such as the Trans-Siberian Railway which enabled

    communication amongst the party convenient. This also allowed Trotsky’s position as Commissar

    of war much more productive as he was able to foresee the situation in numerous areas with ease.

    Moreover, The Reds also controlled the key cities in Russia, this made conscription for the Red

    Army more efficient as the cities had large populations. In addition to that the cities were saturated

    with industry, raw materials and mines aiding Bolsheviks with equipment for the Red Army, this

    kept the troops with machinery. Leaving the Whites with a great geographical disadvantage.

    Similarly, the Whites also had a great disadvantage regarding the unity and cohesion of their party.
    Page 2! of 4! Arya Singh 9C

    Secondly, While the Bolsheviks had Lenin as their leader while no one person was in charge of the

    White forces. The Whites lacked a particular goal whereas the Bolsheviks all worked towards a

    single agenda, the establishment and survival of a communist Russia as opposed to the White

    armies who did not share a single ideology, methodology or political goal. The Whites were

    composed of several differing anti-Bolshevik groups such as the Mensheviks, Social

    Revolutionaries, supporters of the Tsarist regime and many more. The people of Russia were

    displeased by the affiliation of the White forces with the Tsardom and opted to support the

    Bolsheviks. More, The Whites also had foreign aid as Capitalist countries such as USA, France,

    Britain and Japan were attempting to suppress the spread of Communism and were attempting to

    get Russia to join the fight against Germany. The Bolsheviks used these factors and turned them

    into propaganda, therefore raising fears about involvement in war as well as the return of a Tsarist

    Russia. Moreover, the brutality of the White forces further deepened the dislike of the Whites

    amongst the Russian public. A source from the book ‘Lenin For Beginners’ by R. Appignanesi

    describes just how barbaric the White forces were by stating that not even the the highest figure of

    executions by the Red Army were pale in comparison to the ones “in Finland alone, the number of

    workers the Whites executed by the White approaches 100,00.” In addition Red Army generals were

    kept loyal by taking their families hostage making the Bolsheviks cohesive and orderly towards a

    single goal, victory. In like manner, the policy of War Communism introduced by Lenin lead to

    strict discipline and obedience amongst the Russian public

    Thirdly, the policy of War Communism, which dictated the nationalisation of the factories, as well

    as the introduction of military discipline. Strikes were made illegal and rationing was introduced

    and forced the peasants to give food to the government.


    Page 3! of 4! Arya Singh 9C

    In contrast, Leon Trotsky’s role in the triumph of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War could be

    considered larger then that of the strengths of the Reds. Trotsky provided the organisation required

    for Bolsheviks to win. A quote by Lenin describes just how infatuated he was by saying that he was

    “in love with organisation”. Trotsky also provided the motivation required for the Bolsheviks to

    win due to his brilliance in oration as well as the literary department.

    When Trotsky was made War Commissar his duty was to eradicate every threat to the Bolshevik

    Government, despite being unspecialised in the military department, Trotsky was successful. More

    Trotsky’s strict and ruthless policies forbade men from desertion, he issued the following order soon

    after he got the position of War Commissar: “I give warning that if any unit retreats without orders,

    the first to be shot down will be the commissary of the unit, and next the commander. Brave and

    gallant soldiers will be appointed in their places. Cowards, bastards and traitors will not escape the

    bullet. This I solemnly promise in the presence of the entire Red Army.” This order reveals how

    radical Leon Trotsky could be and what he would do for victory.

    Similarly, Trotsky’s thirst for victory was prevalent when he introduced conscription country-wide.

    He issued the following statement after news that the Whites had international support.

    "Recognising the existence of an acute military danger, we must take steps really to transform

    Soviet Russia into a military camp. With the help of the party and the trade-unions a registration

    must be carried out listing every member of the party, of the Soviet institutions and the trade-

    unions, with a view to using them for military service.” This statement furthers Trotsky’s extremist

    personality and policies.

    In conclusion, The strengths and clever policies of the Bolsheviks such as superiority regarding

    terrain, cohesion and the policy of War Communism could've been why the Bolsheviks won the
    Page 4! of 4! Arya Singh 9C

    Russian Civil War but it can be argued that Leon Trotsky’s radical ideas such as countrywide

    conscription, holding families hostage for loyalty, terrific verbal skills as well as intricate

    organisation and well planned military strategies were also the reason for the triumph of the

    Bolsheviks in the Civil War.

    Self Assessment:

    I. Relevant & Accurate Content: 6/10

    II. Structure, Organisation & Subject Specific Terminology: 4/10

    III. Interrelationship Between Factors: 4/10

    IV. Well Developed, Well Reasoned Answer With Proper Conclusion: 5/10

    Total: 23/40

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