Bolshevik Success and War Communism in the Russian Civil War
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To what extent was Bolshevik success in the Russian Civil War caused by War Communism?
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The Bolshevik success in the Russian Civil War can be attributed to a variety of factors, with War Communism playing a significant role. War Communism ensured that the Red Army was adequately fed and supplied throughout the civil war, giving them a crucial advantage over their opponents. By imposing War Communism, the Bolsheviks gained full control over the economy, allowing them to prioritize military needs and provide the necessary resources for victory.
The implementation of War Communism also provided an ideological boost to many Bolsheviks during the civil war. This policy represented true revolutionary communism, giving the Bolsheviks a clear sense of purpose and motivation. In contrast, their opponents lacked a unified policy, making it difficult for them to rally their forces effectively.
However, it is important to note that War Communism also posed challenges for the Bolsheviks. By 1921, the forced grain requisitions had led to a decline in production and widespread famine. This resulted in anti-Bolshevik uprisings, including the threatening Kronstadt uprising, where previously loyal sailors turned against the Bolsheviks. These challenges posed a significant threat to Bolshevik success in the civil war.
In addition to War Communism, other factors were instrumental in the Bolshevik victory. Lenin provided clear political leadership, guiding the Bolsheviks through the tumultuous period of the civil war. Trotsky, on the other hand, proved to be a highly effective military commander, leading the Red Army to numerous victories. The Bolsheviks also utilized terror and intimidation tactics, such as threatening the families of ex-tsarist officers in the Red Army, to ensure loyalty and discipline.
Furthermore, the Bolsheviks controlled the main cities and the railway network, giving them access to military supplies and the ability to transport troops wherever they were needed. Their opponents, lacking a unified front and differing in their aims, were unable to effectively counter the Bolsheviks' strategic advantages.
The active support of foreign powers for their opponents also worked in the Bolsheviks' favor. By presenting themselves as Russian patriots resisting foreign invaders, the Bolsheviks were able to garner support and legitimacy. This tactic mirrored the actions of historical figures like Alexander Nevsky and Kutuzov, further strengthening the Bolshevik cause.
In conclusion, while War Communism played a pivotal role in the Bolshevik success in the Russian Civil War, it was not the sole determining factor. The policy ensured the Red Army's sustenance and provided ideological motivation, but it also posed challenges and led to uprisings. The leadership of Lenin and Trotsky, the use of terror and intimidation, control over key resources, and the support of foreign powers all contributed to the Bolshevik victory.
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NOTES
To what extent was Bolshevik success in the Russian Civil War caused by War Communism? Indicative content Arguments to support it playing a pivotal role in the Bolshevik victory could be as follows. War Communism did ensure that the Red Army was fed and supplied throughout the civil war. The imposition of War Communism by the Bolsheviks meant that they had full control over the economy; within two years of the Decree of Nationalisation (1918) practically all major industrial enterprises in Russia were under central government control. This allowed the Bolsheviks to give priority to military needs which meant that the Red Army had the means to achieve victory in the civil war. War Communism provided an ideological fillip to many Bolsheviks during the civil war as the policy represented true revolutionary communism. They knew what they were fighting for, but their opponents were not united by a common policy. The importance of War Communism in achieving victory can be challenged. By 1921 War Communism seemed to threaten Bolshevik success in the civil war as the forced grain requisitions had led to a decline in production. This produced famine which led to wide-spread anti-Bolshevik uprisings, 1920– 21. The Kronstadt uprising was particularly threatening as the sailors at the naval base had, hitherto, been staunch in their loyalty to the Bolsheviks. Other factors were important for Bolshevik victory. Lenin provided clear political leadership whilst Trotsky proved to be a most effective military commander. The Bolsheviks used terror and intimidation to achieve victory. For example, the threat of retribution against the families of ex-tsarist officers now in the Red Army should they fail to perform their duty. The Bolsheviks controlled the main cities and the railway network which meant they could access military supplies and transport them, and troops, to wherever they were needed. Their opponents had differing aims and so could not form a united front. The active support of foreign powers for their opponents allowed the Bolsheviks to present themselves successfully as Russian patriots resisting the foreign invader, just as Alexander Nevsky and Kutuzov had done. Accept any other valid responses.