The Civil War Firstly, they wanted Russia back in the war to support the Allies in their fight against Germany. Secondly, they feared communism would spread to their countries. There were THREE main opposition groups… There was a great deal of opposition to the Bolsheviks. 1.The Socialist Revolutionaries & Mensheviks. Dissatisfied with the Communists refusal to power share and the terms of the Brest-Litosvk Treaty. 2. Landowners, Factory Workers and Army Generals. Opposed seizure of land and property. Many wanted the war with Germany to continue and some wanted the Tsar returned to power. Countries like Britain, France, USA and Japan sent soldiers and weapons to fight the Communists. 3. International Opposition. There were TWO reasons for this..…

The Civil War Was fought between the..… White Army (Anti-communist) Red Army (Communist) Bring back the Tsar Opposed Bolsheviks Civil War Ranks, badges & saluting Discipline Death penalty for desertion Organised Trotsky’s reintroduction of all these is amazing given that the Communists had done way with all of these when they developed people’s militias to help defend their revolution. Trotsky also….  Used professional officers to lead the red Army.  Had a special CHEKA units who marched behind the soldiers and shot deserters. eld officers families hostage to ensure their support.  Introduced political commissars attached to units to guarantee officer loyalty and to spread propaganda.

The Red Terror During the Civil War Lenin and a small group of Communist leaders led Russia. It was a period known as the Red Terror because of the brutality and bloodshed associated with their rule.The CHEKA executed thousands of people, regardless of their station or status in life, if they were critical of the government. The Execution of the Romanov’s 1918 The Romanov’s Communists feared the royal family would be rescued by the White Army and reinstated to power. They and their servants were imprisoned at the Ipatiev house in Ekaterinburg. As the White Armies advanced towards Ekaterinburg Lenin gave permission for their execution. Under the pretext of being photographed the royal family and their servants were ushered into the basement of the house and executed by a special CHEKA firing squad. The execution of the Tsar and his family was needed not only to frighten, but to horrify and instill a sense of hopelessness in the enemy….

War Communism It is at this point we see the early stages of Totalitarianism. What is war communism? It was a term used by historians to describe the Communist’s ruthless attempt to control industry and food supplies during the Civil War. Government Control Totalitarianism is… A political system in which there is only one party, which allows no opposition and attempts to control everything. The Features of War Communism  Industry nationalised & controlled by the government but managed by committees (Glavki).  Government determined levels of productivity.  Conscription to the Red Army or industry.  Work hours increased and strikes forbidden.  Food rationing.  Soviet farms established to supply the Red Army.  Labour camps for offenders/counter-revolutionaries.

Peasants were treated like the enemy and shot if they kept produce for themselves. Victory for the Red Army By autumn of 1919 it seemed as though the White Army might win the war. But the tide started to turn against them because....  Poorly organised (lacked supplies).  Infighting between units.  Looting turned peasants against them. ost the support of their Allies. The Red Army’s control of Moscow and Petrograd meant control of Russia’s railway system. This meant they could move troops faster and more effectively to out-maneuver the White Army. The Communists faced another challenge.... Peasant Opposition While initially supportive of the Communists, by 1920 peasants began resenting the forced seizure of grain and livestock feed the Red Army. The Red Army and the CHEKA crushed their opposition and by 1921 had won the Civil War.

The Cost of the Civil War Lenin’s revolution had been achieved by force and at great cost.  Thousands were dead.  A severe famine between  Opposition continued-Kronsdadt Mutiny. Lenin wanted the heroic and astute Trotsky to succeed him. He had been an inspiration leader throughout the revolution and Civil War. However it was the manipulative Stalin who succeed Lenin and in so doing usher in an unprecedented reign of terror. Lenin had to rebuild Russia.... Lenin’s Last Days  Industrial production was down. nflation was out of control.  Serious food shortages. He did this by introducing NEP (New Economic Policy). By 1922 the Russian economy began to Improve. Lenin’s days however were numbered. After Suffering a series of stroke between he Died on 21 January 1924 at the age of 54.