Causes of the Russian Civil War, 1918
TITLE
Explain why the Russian Civil War broke out in 1918.
ESSAY
The Russian Civil War, which broke out in 1918, was a result of various factors that led to opposition against the Bolsheviks and their rule. After the October Revolution of 1917, numerous groups emerged to challenge the Bolsheviks, collectively known as The Whites. These groups included monarchists and militarists who were against the Bolshevik regime.
One significant factor that contributed to the outbreak of the Russian Civil War was the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. This treaty, which ended Russia's involvement in World War I, was seen by many as a sign of weakness on the part of the Bolsheviks. The terms of the treaty were unfavorable to Russia, leading to discontent among the population and further opposition to the Bolshevik government.
Additionally, Russian nationalist minorities, such as Ukrainians and Georgians, fought for their independence from Russia. These groups saw an opportunity to establish their own nations amidst the chaos and instability caused by the revolution. Their desire for independence added fuel to the fire of the civil war, as they fought against both the Bolsheviks and other factions.
The Bolsheviks' actions also played a significant role in sparking the civil war. In January 1918, they crushed the Constituent Assembly and outlawed all other political parties. This move demonstrated their unwillingness to share power and their claim to absolute authority. Many individuals and groups found this claim unacceptable, as it went against the principles of democracy and political pluralism.
Some argue that Lenin's desire for war also contributed to the outbreak of the civil war. Lenin believed that an all-socialist coalition, based on the Constituent Assembly, would make a counter-revolution impossible. However, he rejected this idea, as he believed that compromise would undermine the chances of a worldwide socialist revolution. Lenin's refusal to accept a socialist coalition further polarized the political landscape and fueled the conflict.
In conclusion, the Russian Civil War broke out in 1918 due to a combination of factors. The opposition to the Bolsheviks by various groups, the unfavorable terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, the desire for independence among nationalist minorities, and the Bolsheviks' refusal to share power all contributed to the outbreak of the civil war. The war would have far-reaching consequences for Russia and shape its future political landscape.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
AS Level
NOTES
Explain why the Russian Civil War broke out in 1918. Indicative content After the October Revolution of 1917 many groups had formed to oppose the Bolsheviks (monarchists/militarists), collectively referred to as The Whites. The treaty of Brest-Litovsk was seen by many as a clear sign that the Bolsheviks were weak and unfit to govern Russia. Russian nationalist minorities (e.g. Ukrainians/Georgians) fought to establish their independence from Russia. The Bolshevik’s crushing of the Constituent Assembly in January 1918, and subsequent outlawing of all other parties, showed that the Bolsheviks were not prepared to share power. This claim to absolute authority was unacceptable to many. Some claim that Lenin wanted war an all socialist coalition would have made counter revolution inconceivable as the coalition would have rested on the only legitimate authority in Russia, the Constituent Assembly. Some Bolsheviks would have accepted a socialist coalition, but Lenin was not one of them and rejected this course. A worldwide revolution was coming, and compromise would undermine its chances of success. Accept any other valid responses.