Summer of 1918, Lenin introduced a series of harsh restrictive economic measures, 'War Communism', caused by the difficulties of Civil war and moved away from state capitalism (state owns the productive forces, distributes the wages and sells the surplus). Lenin judged that the whites could only be met by authority increasing in the Red areas. Every social, political and economic aspect was to be shaped around winning the Civil War.
First step was centralisation, to concentrate the political and economic power at the centre, using the cheka and red army to enforce it. They infiltrated the factories with political commissars and this prepared the way for a Decree of Nationalisation in which nearly all industrial enterprises came under Russian control. Nationalisation did nothing to increase production, imposed strict control at a time of strain, initially under the war but really the civil war. Most factories were deprived of resources and manpower, due to conscription into the Army and the flight of the populations in search of food. Populations in the major cities fell by half during 1918-21. The problems were deepened by inflation, as the printing of money destroyed the value of money. It did not do any good for the economy, just strengthened bolshevik grip.
It also effected agriculture, the major purpose of war communism was to force the peasants to provide more food. Peasants however were difficult to convince, as they were very conservative and resistant to central government. The Government blamed the Kulaks (or rich peasants) to hoard their stocks to keep prices high, the truth was the peasants saw no point producing food until the government paid a fair prices.
The government eventually condemned the peasants as counter-revolutionaries, and Cheka Requistioning squads were sent to take grain by force ' harvest grain on the land of kulaks'. Between these years, Requistioning squads terrorised the countryside with kulaks targeted and hanged in public. However, the opposite happened in the production of food and the peasants produced the bare minimum.
Famine was the result of requistioning, drought and disruption of the civil war, The grain harvests produced less than half the amounts than half of the amounts from 1913, 1 in 5 were starving. A number of bolsheviks did admit there was a famine, and accepted foreign assistance, such as the ARA, American Relief Association. 5 Million died due to starvation over the civil war period.
Lenin however, is known as allowing the famine as a chance to destroy the orthodox church and would shoot priests 'the more the better'. 1921, the grim conditions had completely undermined the reasoning for War Communism, as production had fallen massively. Some Bolsheviks however thought it was the perfect policy for the party, true socialism as it had centralised industry, ended private owenership and squeezed the peasants.
War communism and the Red terror continued, with the Cheka spying on the factory workers and the enforced requistioning of the grain. Its severity, seriously increased Bolshevik unpopularity. Lenin stuck with it for as long as possible, until the Kronstadt rising proved to be the most serious challenge to bolshevik control to date.
KRONSTADT MUTINY
As long as unrest was confined to peasants and enemies of the bolsheviks, it was managable. What was worrying was the opposition to war communism within the party. Two bolsheviks Alaxander Shylyapnikov and Alexandra Kollantai led a 'Workers Opposition Movement' and produced a pamphlet ' buld up industry without any regard to our opinions'. Workers in petrograd upon reading the pamphlet went on strike in 1921 proclaiming ' a complete change is neccessary'
By feb 1921, thousands of petrograd workers crossed the the naval base at Kronstadt, linking with sailors and workers to remonstrate for greater freedom 'workers should be better not worse' Lenin sent commissars to Kronstadt where they were rounded bitterly ' You are comfortable, warm. We're in a terrible mire'.
The Kronstadt Manifesto is what followed as sailors elected a chairman for a fifteen-man committee to represent their grievances to the government such as
- Freedom of Speech and Press
- Right for trade unions to exist
- Ending of War communism
- New elections in the soviets
- End of centralisation
The demands did not frighten the bolsheviks, it was the people who happened to be their greatest supporters of previous, the Sailors and Workers of Kronstadt, previous 'Heroes of the October Revolution'. The genuine socialists were appalled by the betrayal of the workers cause. The angered strikers increasing in numbers. Trotsky ordered the Red Army to crush them, with an ultimatum issued to the strikers. It was denied and so the Red Army and Cheka detachments were ordered to attack. The Sailors fought savagely and bravely, even when half dead they attempted to shoot to kill, 'two soldiers at machine gun, entire company fought for over an hour'. Kronstadt was proof that the Bolsheviks were a minority elite who had imposed themselves above all for Russia. After the rising, ringleaders were shot. Lenin was a realist, and took Kronstadt to heart, he decided to soften the severity of War Communism 'Lit up reality like a lightning flash', a prelude to the New Economic Policy.
SUMMARY
WAR COMMUNISM
- Industry and Agriculture under central control (government controlled agriculture and industry from Moscow geographically and politically), Commissars and buying grain
- Peasants resist to the low prices
- Kulaks targeted, Requistioning squads and an Attack upon the church
- War communism did more damage than good, undermining its real cause with a famine in 1921 with 5 million dead.
- War communism if anything was strengthening the Red Terror.
KRONSTADT
Caused due to the severity of the Red Terror and War communism.
- Famine
- Commissars in Industry
- Requistioning
- Cheka torture.
The 'Workers Opposition group formed WITHIN the Bolsheviks', causing a petrograd strike which marched to Kronstadt. The Manifesto demanded :
- End of Bolshevik Centralisation
- Freedom of Speech
- Bolshevik priviledges ended
- Secret Ballot elections
- Removal of Commissars
Government crushes rising, but meet with fierce and skillful response before being defeated. This was a fear for Lenin, and considers a NEW ECONOMIC POLICY.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Death of the Romanov's
July 1918 saw a group of SR's assassinate the german ambassador over the Brest-Litovsk treaty, then an attempt on Lenin's life followed. In this mood, Lenin ordered that the Local Cheka detachment executed the Ex-tsar and his family at Yekateringburg in the Urals, hailed down by revolver shots by six men.
After abdication, Nicholas was hoping for Asylum in Britain but the government nor George the V was willing to risk the diplomatic problems or if the Bolsheviks were to follow to britain. He was also rejected by his cousin, the German Kaiser Wilhelm, the reason being it would 'Comprimise his neutrality' from the armistice signing.
It was the climax from eight months of moving the Romanovs around so that they're position was a secret from monarchists would would attempt to rescue them. Lenin personally wanted this to happen as he hated the monarchy, 'really enjoyed letting himself loose against the bourgeois'.
After abdication, Nicholas was hoping for Asylum in Britain but the government nor George the V was willing to risk the diplomatic problems or if the Bolsheviks were to follow to britain. He was also rejected by his cousin, the German Kaiser Wilhelm, the reason being it would 'Comprimise his neutrality' from the armistice signing.
It was the climax from eight months of moving the Romanovs around so that they're position was a secret from monarchists would would attempt to rescue them. Lenin personally wanted this to happen as he hated the monarchy, 'really enjoyed letting himself loose against the bourgeois'.
The Red Terror
The repression that happened and proceeded the Civil war was so severe it was known as the Red Terror. It is argued that the severe repression was the only response to the problems that the Bolsheviks faced and to win the civil war. The opposite view is that the Bolsheviks were forming a strong grip upon the Russian people. Lenin himself, was totalitarian in manner, as he did not believe in democracy, and he used the tools of the Red Army and the Cheka to inforce his rule.
The Cheka, had been created in 1917 by Dzerzhinsky, the ideal choice as he never allowed his feelings of compassion to stop the destruction of the bolshevik enemies. Remorseless attitude displayed by his instructions issued ' Our revolution is in danger, we need to battle to the death'. It operated as the Law, granted unlimited powers of arrest, detention and torture. It was the main instrument used by lenin to terroriset he russian people into conformity. The Cheka under Dzerzhinsky's instructions developed into a class war. It went from being anyone against the bolsheviks to be arrested, to whole social classes, 'first duty is to ask their origins'. Some bolsheviks were uneasy about this, but the famine and social disorder of the Civil War removed all criticisms, and that the revolution could only be saved by removing the enemies of the Bolsheviks and the working class.
Trotsky as Commissar for war, complimented the Cheka's work, by ending the independence of Trade Unions and workers brought under military control, forbidden to ask questions and negotiate pay.
The Red Army was Trotsky's primary achievement, the primary factor of survival. They won the Civil war and also the means of which the bolsheviks imposed their authority at large over russia. Lenin put full trust in Trotsky to direct the Red Army. Trotsky took workers and tired Red Guards and transformed them into a skillful army of 3 million, and attached commissars to the the army to keep structure. The Death sentence was imposed for deserters, and the Civil war instructed strict discipline.
Trotsky also responded to the civil wars increasing need for men by conscription in the areas of bolshevik control. Peasants were conscripted into the army for back-breaking labour. They proved to be unreliable in the time of crisis and desertions were common. Workers were the only dependable unit, often becoming the elite forces and were regarded as Heroes. Trotsky did have some opposition in the form of Stalin in tactics, but there is no denial that Trotsky was the main factor behind the survival.
Summary
Red Terror either a response to extreme conditions, or an expression of Lenin.
Cheka was the Law with unlimited powers. Started the move against middle/upper class bourgeios of old and could prosecute for that reason alone.
Trotsky closes Trade unions and workers under military pressure.
War Commissar, Red army great achievement, won the war and imposed rule over Russia with strict discipline within the army. Conscription introduced.
The Cheka, had been created in 1917 by Dzerzhinsky, the ideal choice as he never allowed his feelings of compassion to stop the destruction of the bolshevik enemies. Remorseless attitude displayed by his instructions issued ' Our revolution is in danger, we need to battle to the death'. It operated as the Law, granted unlimited powers of arrest, detention and torture. It was the main instrument used by lenin to terroriset he russian people into conformity. The Cheka under Dzerzhinsky's instructions developed into a class war. It went from being anyone against the bolsheviks to be arrested, to whole social classes, 'first duty is to ask their origins'. Some bolsheviks were uneasy about this, but the famine and social disorder of the Civil War removed all criticisms, and that the revolution could only be saved by removing the enemies of the Bolsheviks and the working class.
Trotsky as Commissar for war, complimented the Cheka's work, by ending the independence of Trade Unions and workers brought under military control, forbidden to ask questions and negotiate pay.
The Red Army was Trotsky's primary achievement, the primary factor of survival. They won the Civil war and also the means of which the bolsheviks imposed their authority at large over russia. Lenin put full trust in Trotsky to direct the Red Army. Trotsky took workers and tired Red Guards and transformed them into a skillful army of 3 million, and attached commissars to the the army to keep structure. The Death sentence was imposed for deserters, and the Civil war instructed strict discipline.
Trotsky also responded to the civil wars increasing need for men by conscription in the areas of bolshevik control. Peasants were conscripted into the army for back-breaking labour. They proved to be unreliable in the time of crisis and desertions were common. Workers were the only dependable unit, often becoming the elite forces and were regarded as Heroes. Trotsky did have some opposition in the form of Stalin in tactics, but there is no denial that Trotsky was the main factor behind the survival.
Summary
Red Terror either a response to extreme conditions, or an expression of Lenin.
Cheka was the Law with unlimited powers. Started the move against middle/upper class bourgeios of old and could prosecute for that reason alone.
Trotsky closes Trade unions and workers under military pressure.
War Commissar, Red army great achievement, won the war and imposed rule over Russia with strict discipline within the army. Conscription introduced.
Failure of Foreign Interventions
The October revolution saw the collapse of the Provisional Government and within weeks and armistice had been agreed between germany and the Bolshevik Government. The French and British were cautious over the matter. Lloyd George was willing to support any group within russia that was Anti-German.
When the treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed, all hope of convincing the Bolshevik government was ended, and so any help that Britain gave to Anti-german russians now went to Anti-Bolsheviks, (soon to be the white in Russia). The bolsheviks were convinced that the Allies were trying to destroy them, and the Allies saw the bolsheviks as betraying the Allied cause, and the supplies that it provided needed to be stopped from falling into german hands. The British, French and American troops then occupied ports of the Arctic side of Russia, starting two years of occupation over the entirety of Russia.
When the war ended, their occupation lead to a direct offensive against the Bolsheviks. Winston Churchil and Marshall Foch were the most keen, afraid of the newly created Cominterm (to spread international revolution) and the spread of revolution around Europe.
- Sparticist revolt in Berlin
- Communist republic in Bavaria for a year
- Hungarian Marxist government for 5 months.
The interventions were also because the financial position, as Russia and the Bolsheviks wrote off a large number of debts, and nationalised foreign investments, angering the French who had a large number of investments within Tsarist Russia. This also lead to
- British land forces entertering the southern part of russia.
- British warships and French at Baltic waters
- French land base, odessa
- Japanese at Vladivostok (a chance to take land)
- French British American and Italian joined them.
However, as proven by the white failure, the attackers were not united by one single aim, Japan wanted land, and the other nationalist forces such as Lithuania, Poland and Finland all fought for independence seperately, partly the reason behind failure. There was no real proper dedicated attempt to remove the bolsheviks, the truth being that after four years of fighting germany, no great power could stomach true intervention and the loss of more good men. Not only that but trade unionists that would provide supplies sympathised with the 'Workers state'. The Foreign white armies and russian white armies did not act together, and it was easier to remove their threat for the Bolsheviks. They eventually withdrawn, and used as a propoganda success for the Bolsheviks, and they regained esteem from this.
SUMMARY
Why intervene
- Russia withdraw from war
- Fear of 'international revolution'
- Bolsheviks writing off Debt
France, Britain, USA, Japan, Finland Lithuania etc.
Interventions failed due to Lack of coordination,
Not bound by a single aim
No stomach for fighting after WW1
No real genuine attempt to bring Bolsheviks down
When the treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed, all hope of convincing the Bolshevik government was ended, and so any help that Britain gave to Anti-german russians now went to Anti-Bolsheviks, (soon to be the white in Russia). The bolsheviks were convinced that the Allies were trying to destroy them, and the Allies saw the bolsheviks as betraying the Allied cause, and the supplies that it provided needed to be stopped from falling into german hands. The British, French and American troops then occupied ports of the Arctic side of Russia, starting two years of occupation over the entirety of Russia.
When the war ended, their occupation lead to a direct offensive against the Bolsheviks. Winston Churchil and Marshall Foch were the most keen, afraid of the newly created Cominterm (to spread international revolution) and the spread of revolution around Europe.
- Sparticist revolt in Berlin
- Communist republic in Bavaria for a year
- Hungarian Marxist government for 5 months.
The interventions were also because the financial position, as Russia and the Bolsheviks wrote off a large number of debts, and nationalised foreign investments, angering the French who had a large number of investments within Tsarist Russia. This also lead to
- British land forces entertering the southern part of russia.
- British warships and French at Baltic waters
- French land base, odessa
- Japanese at Vladivostok (a chance to take land)
- French British American and Italian joined them.
However, as proven by the white failure, the attackers were not united by one single aim, Japan wanted land, and the other nationalist forces such as Lithuania, Poland and Finland all fought for independence seperately, partly the reason behind failure. There was no real proper dedicated attempt to remove the bolsheviks, the truth being that after four years of fighting germany, no great power could stomach true intervention and the loss of more good men. Not only that but trade unionists that would provide supplies sympathised with the 'Workers state'. The Foreign white armies and russian white armies did not act together, and it was easier to remove their threat for the Bolsheviks. They eventually withdrawn, and used as a propoganda success for the Bolsheviks, and they regained esteem from this.
SUMMARY
Why intervene
- Russia withdraw from war
- Fear of 'international revolution'
- Bolsheviks writing off Debt
France, Britain, USA, Japan, Finland Lithuania etc.
Interventions failed due to Lack of coordination,
Not bound by a single aim
No stomach for fighting after WW1
No real genuine attempt to bring Bolsheviks down
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
The Russian Civil War, 1918 – 1920
The crushing of the Constituent assembly and the outlawing of other parties meant that the Bolsheviks did not want to share power, and this made civil war very likely especially considering the Bolsheviks only had a limited grip on Russia (Moscow, Petrograd). Lenin truly wanted a violent civil war, as the Bolsheviks did have control of the Red Guard, Army and Cheka along with Trotsky’s organisation skills, it would be better to have a short violent struggle to eliminate all enemies and opponents than years of being harassed by Anti-Bolsheviks. The Conflict began in the summer of 1918, with the Reds, White and Greens in a three way military struggle.
- Reds were the Bolshevik Army, Guard and Cheka
- Whites were Bolshevik opponents from parties who had been outlawed, to monarchists and political enemies
- Greens were the nationalities minorities who fought solely for independence.
The Bolsheviks were faced with these forces, the greens who wanted independence from Russia, and many saw them as trying to reassert Russian authority over the country even though the Bolsheviks were mainly foreign, similar to the Tsar. The Civil war provided a cover to settle old scores and pursuing personal vendettas for most people.
The war its self, was simply about fighting for food. The transport and food situation from world war one were still an issue, and until this was sorted, Russia remained hungry. The failure of not providing a remedy for the situation added to the initial military opposition to the Bolsheviks, and the loss of the Ukraine to germany, the primary food provider saw an even sharper drop still. The SR’s also mounted opposition due to their removal from the government after the Brest-Litovsk treaty in which they along with the more Left Bolsheviks had been outlawed. The SR’s planned a coup in the new capital, Moscow and is where it really started. This military rising failed, but terrorism persisted and almost killed Lenin, which led to him having a bullet lodged in his neck contributing to his early death six years later. The SR’s so, joined the whites.
The Resistance also spread, as all of the opposition formed into the whites, with the SR’s forming various uprisings in central Russia, the Volunteer army for the whites being formed, and the Czech occupation saw another white army, and again in Estonia.
The Civil war, so was a very confusing affair. The Political attempt as well as the regional (food) and nationalities attempts amounted into muddled mess. It is known that the Bolsheviks however resisted attacks on four main fronts and then drove back the attackers until they withdrew. Because of this well-organised approach and the fact that the Bolsheviks controlled the railway system that contributed in a Bolshevik win.
White weakness
- Various armies fought separately, not bound by a single aim and unwilling to sacrifice individual interests to fight an anti-bolshevik front
- Too reliant on supplies from abroad, and resistance too scattered geographically
- Lack leadership like Trotsky
- Failure of International Support
Red Strengths
- Remained in control of the central areas of Russia which had the four main vantage points to defend. They also had the control of the Industry of these areas and that meant munitions.
- Control of the Railway
- White’s dependence on foreign supplies was used as propaganda. Reds were the defenders of the nation as well as the proletariat revolutionaries.
- Trotsky’s army was brilliantly organised.
Trotsky’s role was kept up red communication, deny the whites the opportunity to concentrate large forces in any one location and prevent whites from gaining supplies. This relied on the railways, as they could transport troops, supplies and communicate. This was successful as not only did it exhaust the white supplies, they could then drive the forces back. Trotsky was also the driving force in morale.
Civil war had various effects on the Bolsheviks. Toughness was one, as the bolsheviks grew heavily in numbers over the civil war from joining the red army. This meant that later on, these members were hardened and obedient men who's opinions and decision were very tough. Next was the conversion to Authoritarianism, similar to the Tsar's rule, its true that no government could have survived the harsh conditions without it. Centralisation was also the main change, as the quickness and urgency that decisions needed to be made were simply not happening under the official central committee. So, the Politburo (a faster central committee of the party, made the decisions) and the Orgburo (who made the policies were created) to act at the speed needed, who both served by the civil service which put policies into action, the Secretariat.
SUMMARY
Bolsheviks did not want to share power, limited grip on Russia and outlawing of constituent assembly/other parties made Civil War imminent.
Evidence that Lenin wanted civil war 'Quick struggle to remove all opposition', especially as they had the Red Army and Cheka units.
Three way struggle.
Whites - SR's, monarchists and other opposition parties (plus some internationals)
Reds - Bolsheviks
Greens - Nationalists
The Reds did win eventually by fighting on four main points
Had the main cities and factories, therefore the railways.
Fighting a defense against disorganised whites
Whites also relied on foreign supplies and were not bound by a single aim
Reds also had the brilliant Trotsky and Red army, who were bound by a single aim and full of morale.
The civil war caused Toughness from the new members joining the Bolsheviks from the red army. Authoritarianism for survival due to the weak economic positions of the time. Centralisation saw the Politburo and Orgburo take over the central committee who served under the Secretariat, one making quick decisions, one making policies and the Secretariat enforcing them.
- Reds were the Bolshevik Army, Guard and Cheka
- Whites were Bolshevik opponents from parties who had been outlawed, to monarchists and political enemies
- Greens were the nationalities minorities who fought solely for independence.
The Bolsheviks were faced with these forces, the greens who wanted independence from Russia, and many saw them as trying to reassert Russian authority over the country even though the Bolsheviks were mainly foreign, similar to the Tsar. The Civil war provided a cover to settle old scores and pursuing personal vendettas for most people.
The war its self, was simply about fighting for food. The transport and food situation from world war one were still an issue, and until this was sorted, Russia remained hungry. The failure of not providing a remedy for the situation added to the initial military opposition to the Bolsheviks, and the loss of the Ukraine to germany, the primary food provider saw an even sharper drop still. The SR’s also mounted opposition due to their removal from the government after the Brest-Litovsk treaty in which they along with the more Left Bolsheviks had been outlawed. The SR’s planned a coup in the new capital, Moscow and is where it really started. This military rising failed, but terrorism persisted and almost killed Lenin, which led to him having a bullet lodged in his neck contributing to his early death six years later. The SR’s so, joined the whites.
The Resistance also spread, as all of the opposition formed into the whites, with the SR’s forming various uprisings in central Russia, the Volunteer army for the whites being formed, and the Czech occupation saw another white army, and again in Estonia.
The Civil war, so was a very confusing affair. The Political attempt as well as the regional (food) and nationalities attempts amounted into muddled mess. It is known that the Bolsheviks however resisted attacks on four main fronts and then drove back the attackers until they withdrew. Because of this well-organised approach and the fact that the Bolsheviks controlled the railway system that contributed in a Bolshevik win.
White weakness
- Various armies fought separately, not bound by a single aim and unwilling to sacrifice individual interests to fight an anti-bolshevik front
- Too reliant on supplies from abroad, and resistance too scattered geographically
- Lack leadership like Trotsky
- Failure of International Support
Red Strengths
- Remained in control of the central areas of Russia which had the four main vantage points to defend. They also had the control of the Industry of these areas and that meant munitions.
- Control of the Railway
- White’s dependence on foreign supplies was used as propaganda. Reds were the defenders of the nation as well as the proletariat revolutionaries.
- Trotsky’s army was brilliantly organised.
Trotsky’s role was kept up red communication, deny the whites the opportunity to concentrate large forces in any one location and prevent whites from gaining supplies. This relied on the railways, as they could transport troops, supplies and communicate. This was successful as not only did it exhaust the white supplies, they could then drive the forces back. Trotsky was also the driving force in morale.
Civil war had various effects on the Bolsheviks. Toughness was one, as the bolsheviks grew heavily in numbers over the civil war from joining the red army. This meant that later on, these members were hardened and obedient men who's opinions and decision were very tough. Next was the conversion to Authoritarianism, similar to the Tsar's rule, its true that no government could have survived the harsh conditions without it. Centralisation was also the main change, as the quickness and urgency that decisions needed to be made were simply not happening under the official central committee. So, the Politburo (a faster central committee of the party, made the decisions) and the Orgburo (who made the policies were created) to act at the speed needed, who both served by the civil service which put policies into action, the Secretariat.
SUMMARY
Bolsheviks did not want to share power, limited grip on Russia and outlawing of constituent assembly/other parties made Civil War imminent.
Evidence that Lenin wanted civil war 'Quick struggle to remove all opposition', especially as they had the Red Army and Cheka units.
Three way struggle.
Whites - SR's, monarchists and other opposition parties (plus some internationals)
Reds - Bolsheviks
Greens - Nationalists
The Reds did win eventually by fighting on four main points
Had the main cities and factories, therefore the railways.
Fighting a defense against disorganised whites
Whites also relied on foreign supplies and were not bound by a single aim
Reds also had the brilliant Trotsky and Red army, who were bound by a single aim and full of morale.
The civil war caused Toughness from the new members joining the Bolsheviks from the red army. Authoritarianism for survival due to the weak economic positions of the time. Centralisation saw the Politburo and Orgburo take over the central committee who served under the Secretariat, one making quick decisions, one making policies and the Secretariat enforcing them.
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Lenin and Trotsky had a marked difference over the ending of the war. Lenin wanted it to end immediately, whilst Trotsky believed in a delay. Russia’s military exhaustion made it impossible to fight on successfully to win the war. If Germany won, they would gain Russian land, but if Germany lost, Russia could regain and land lost from pulling from the war. Russia would not be worse of, and secondly it would gain. Lenin had also been receiving funds from the German Foreign office, pulling out of the war was the best way to retain these funds. Trotsky was between his ‘straight away opinion’ and the Left Bolsheviks who pressed for continuation of the war to beat ‘imperialist Germany’
At Brest-Litovsk is where the talks happened. Trotsky was undoubtedly rude, yawning and having private conversations, only speaking when on the subject of the October Revolution. Hindenburg, saw them as degrading the conference table, and tried to start dissolution in the army of their ranks. Lenin and Trotsky however, supported international revolution over Russia’s needs. The Germans seriously considered marching into Petrograd to overthrow their government, but they quickly signed a devastating peace treaty as soon as this was made clear.
The Treaty saw a third of European Russia ceded to Germany with 45 million people within it. Russia was also required to pay 3 Billion roubles as war damages. Lenin stressed that this was the only realistic policy, ‘maternally exhausted by three years of war’. Basically Russia did not have the supplies or the skill, and the Bolsheviks signing the treaty would have time to gain this. Although heavily debated in the central committee, Lenin’s argument was passed by a majority of only 1. Lenin and Trotsky saw Brest Litovsk as a small price to pay for the kick starting of international revolution. What eventually destroyed the division in the central committee (of left Bolsheviks who wanted continuation and saw the losses at Brest-Litovsk as awful) was that Germany’s defeat in which Russia simply regained everything it had lost.
SUMMARY
A split in attitudes – Continuation or immediate peace
Lenin – Russia could not possibly win, Russia worn out by three years, say no now to fight another day. Also pulling out would continue the GFO funding.
Harsh terms – 1/3 of Euro land lost, with 45 million people and 3 Bil in reparations.
This lead to conflict between the left, Lenin justifying frequently and won the debate. German defeat justified policy anyway.
At Brest-Litovsk is where the talks happened. Trotsky was undoubtedly rude, yawning and having private conversations, only speaking when on the subject of the October Revolution. Hindenburg, saw them as degrading the conference table, and tried to start dissolution in the army of their ranks. Lenin and Trotsky however, supported international revolution over Russia’s needs. The Germans seriously considered marching into Petrograd to overthrow their government, but they quickly signed a devastating peace treaty as soon as this was made clear.
The Treaty saw a third of European Russia ceded to Germany with 45 million people within it. Russia was also required to pay 3 Billion roubles as war damages. Lenin stressed that this was the only realistic policy, ‘maternally exhausted by three years of war’. Basically Russia did not have the supplies or the skill, and the Bolsheviks signing the treaty would have time to gain this. Although heavily debated in the central committee, Lenin’s argument was passed by a majority of only 1. Lenin and Trotsky saw Brest Litovsk as a small price to pay for the kick starting of international revolution. What eventually destroyed the division in the central committee (of left Bolsheviks who wanted continuation and saw the losses at Brest-Litovsk as awful) was that Germany’s defeat in which Russia simply regained everything it had lost.
SUMMARY
A split in attitudes – Continuation or immediate peace
Lenin – Russia could not possibly win, Russia worn out by three years, say no now to fight another day. Also pulling out would continue the GFO funding.
Harsh terms – 1/3 of Euro land lost, with 45 million people and 3 Bil in reparations.
This lead to conflict between the left, Lenin justifying frequently and won the debate. German defeat justified policy anyway.
DISSOLUTION OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
Lenin did not believe in Democratic elections and declared them as ‘Tricks by the Bourgeoisie’. This is why Lenin and the Bolsheviks went on their own merits in the October Coup. When this was successful, Lenin was even more determined to stamp out Democracy, and one of the reasons to his urgency for the Revolution, was to make sure the Coup happened before the Election of the All-Russian Constituent Assembly. Unfortunately for Lenin, it was too late, and the results were not good for the Bolsheviks.
- Outvoted 2 to 1 by the SR’s
- Only a quarter of the overall vote and so a quarter of the seats.
Lenin only originally supported this because it undermined the PG, but now he had power, he had no need for the Assembly and would only make life difficult. Lenin who did not deal in compromise, only ever opted to deal by crushing the opposition. So after only a day’s session for the Assembly, it was dissolved at gunpoint by the Red Guards, with any resistance evaporated by the fact of rifles aimed at their heads.
The Bolsheviks chance for survival did seem slim, with strong wide-spread opposition to them including the fact that Britain and France would intervene if they pulled from the War. Lenin so justified the dissolution by saying it had already happened by the Soviet becoming government, and claimed the elections were rigged. ‘Dissolution of Constituent Assembly means a complete liquidation of democracy by the idea of a dictatorship’
Lenin’s ruthless attitude caused unease, with the Bolsheviks most Prolific writer Maxim Gorky claiming ‘Peoples commissars have ordered the shooting of this democracy that people had hoped for’. Foreign communists were also appalled, Rosa Luxemburg ‘Worse than the disease it was supposed to cure’. Lenin however, saw that due to the dire situation of Russia and vulnerable placement of the Bolsheviks, stern action was required to plant them properly.
SUMMARY
Lenin hated Democracy ‘Bourgeoisie tool to hold power’
Results to Constituent assembly are bad
Bolsheviks force closure.
Assembly would break Lenin’s power
Soviet Government already in power,
Elections were corrupt, and a ‘Bourgeois manipulation’
Found condemnation by foreign revolutionaries.
- Outvoted 2 to 1 by the SR’s
- Only a quarter of the overall vote and so a quarter of the seats.
Lenin only originally supported this because it undermined the PG, but now he had power, he had no need for the Assembly and would only make life difficult. Lenin who did not deal in compromise, only ever opted to deal by crushing the opposition. So after only a day’s session for the Assembly, it was dissolved at gunpoint by the Red Guards, with any resistance evaporated by the fact of rifles aimed at their heads.
The Bolsheviks chance for survival did seem slim, with strong wide-spread opposition to them including the fact that Britain and France would intervene if they pulled from the War. Lenin so justified the dissolution by saying it had already happened by the Soviet becoming government, and claimed the elections were rigged. ‘Dissolution of Constituent Assembly means a complete liquidation of democracy by the idea of a dictatorship’
Lenin’s ruthless attitude caused unease, with the Bolsheviks most Prolific writer Maxim Gorky claiming ‘Peoples commissars have ordered the shooting of this democracy that people had hoped for’. Foreign communists were also appalled, Rosa Luxemburg ‘Worse than the disease it was supposed to cure’. Lenin however, saw that due to the dire situation of Russia and vulnerable placement of the Bolsheviks, stern action was required to plant them properly.
SUMMARY
Lenin hated Democracy ‘Bourgeoisie tool to hold power’
Results to Constituent assembly are bad
Bolsheviks force closure.
Assembly would break Lenin’s power
Soviet Government already in power,
Elections were corrupt, and a ‘Bourgeois manipulation’
Found condemnation by foreign revolutionaries.
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