Why did the Bolsheviks win the Civil War?
The Russian Civil War raged from 1918 until the start of 1921. During this time the Bolsheviks faced massive opposition to their rule in the form of the White Armies, led by the former officers of the Tsarist state, and also from intervention by the forces of foreign countries. The Bolsheviks were surrounded, and often outnumbered by their opponents, and had no experienced military commanders. At times, their situation seemed hopeless. Yet, by the start of 1921, the Bolsheviks had defeated their enemies and gained a complete victory. The establishment of Communism in Russia went ahead unchallenged.
During the Civil War the Bolsheviks had a number of key advantages over their opponents. The leaders of the Red Army were a very important factor to the Reds victory, the Bolsheviks were extremely fortunate in the quality of their leadership, particularly in Lenin and Trotsky. Lenin had led the Bolsheviks to victory in the October Revolution and throughout the Civil War, he provided the energy and drive needed to inspire success. At all times he had very definite aims and objectives and a sense of purpose about what he believed was best for Russia, his leadership was never challenged. Trotsky became Commissar for War in the Bolshevik Government. A brilliant organiser and improviser, Trotsky created the Red Army from the Red Guards (the Bolshevik workers militias) and from the remnants of the old Tsarist army. Trotsky imposed a very tough system of discipline and control over the Red Army. Officers found guilty of cowardice or treachery were executed. However, men who showed initiative and courage were promoted rapidly. At times of crisis, Trotsky readily assumed personal command of areas under threat, inspiring and encouraging the troops to greater efforts, and to eventual victory. No one person was in charge of the White forces, whereas the Bolsheviks had Lenin, the Whites had several rival people, such as Yudenich, Wrangel, Kolchak and Denikin vying for control. They were all ambitious men and each was determined to take control of Russia for himself. As a result, there was virtually no co-operation between the various White Armies. They had to move their forces and supplies over huge distances, making it difficult to maintain effective control. The lack of effective railways was an added complication to the existing communication difficulties between them. Whereas the Whites were disunited, the Bolsheviks maintained absolute unity through the Terror. It was this skilled leadership of the Red Army, paired with the divided leadership of the White Forces that was a key factor in the Bolsheviks winning the Civil War.
The Russian Civil War raged from 1918 until the start of 1921. During this time the Bolsheviks faced massive opposition to their rule in the form of the White Armies, led by the former officers of the Tsarist state, and also from intervention by the forces of foreign countries. The Bolsheviks were surrounded, and often outnumbered by their opponents, and had no experienced military commanders. At times, their situation seemed hopeless. Yet, by the start of 1921, the Bolsheviks had defeated their enemies and gained a complete victory. The establishment of Communism in Russia went ahead unchallenged.
During the Civil War the Bolsheviks had a number of key advantages over their opponents. The leaders of the Red Army were a very important factor to the Reds victory, the Bolsheviks were extremely fortunate in the quality of their leadership, particularly in Lenin and Trotsky. Lenin had led the Bolsheviks to victory in the October Revolution and throughout the Civil War, he provided the energy and drive needed to inspire success. At all times he had very definite aims and objectives and a sense of purpose about what he believed was best for Russia, his leadership was never challenged. Trotsky became Commissar for War in the Bolshevik Government. A brilliant organiser and improviser, Trotsky created the Red Army from the Red Guards (the Bolshevik workers militias) and from the remnants of the old Tsarist army. Trotsky imposed a very tough system of discipline and control over the Red Army. Officers found guilty of cowardice or treachery were executed. However, men who showed initiative and courage were promoted rapidly. At times of crisis, Trotsky readily assumed personal command of areas under threat, inspiring and encouraging the troops to greater efforts, and to eventual victory. No one person was in charge of the White forces, whereas the Bolsheviks had Lenin, the Whites had several rival people, such as Yudenich, Wrangel, Kolchak and Denikin vying for control. They were all ambitious men and each was determined to take control of Russia for himself. As a result, there was virtually no co-operation between the various White Armies. They had to move their forces and supplies over huge distances, making it difficult to maintain effective control. The lack of effective railways was an added complication to the existing communication difficulties between them. Whereas the Whites were disunited, the Bolsheviks maintained absolute unity through the Terror. It was this skilled leadership of the Red Army, paired with the divided leadership of the White Forces that was a key factor in the Bolsheviks winning the Civil War.
