Russia- E2
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Questions and Answers

What was Lenin's view on the importance of the ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’?

  • He believed it was a temporary measure to be replaced by a more democratic system once the revolution had triumphed.
  • He believed it was the only way to prevent the return of the Tsarist regime.
  • He believed it was necessary to actively repress counter-revolutionary elements in order to establish true socialism. (correct)
  • He believed it was a way to ensure the full participation of all citizens in the political process.
  • How did the Bolsheviks react to the results of the Constituent Assembly elections?

  • They ignored the results and continued to rule as a minority party.
  • They accepted the results and formed a coalition government with the SRs.
  • They argued that the elections were rigged and demanded a new vote.
  • They disbanded the Assembly and declared themselves the sole legitimate authority. (correct)
  • What was Trotsky's main argument against immediately signing a peace treaty with Germany?

  • He argued that Germany was too strong to be defeated militarily.
  • He feared that a peace treaty would embolden the counter-revolutionaries.
  • He believed that Russia should fight on until Germany was defeated. (correct)
  • He believed that the terms of any peace treaty would be too harsh for Russia to accept.
  • What was the key factor that led to the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litosk?

    <p>The Bolsheviks' fear of a German invasion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main consequence of the Treaty of Brest-Litosk for Russia?

    <p>It resulted in the loss of a significant amount of territory and resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main driving force behind the Bolsheviks' consolidation of one-party control?

    <p>Their conviction that it was necessary to suppress all opposition to their rule. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following events occurred during the Bolshevik consolidation of power?

    <p>The elimination of all political opposition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best definition of a 'counter-revolutionary element' in the context of the text?

    <p>Any group or individual who opposed the Bolshevik revolution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the Comintern as established in its first Congress?

    <p>To encourage world revolution among socialist parties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change was made to the governmental structure in the early Soviet state?

    <p>Supreme power rested with the All-Russian Congress of Soviets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the Russo-Polish War?

    <p>The Treaty of Riga formalized peace terms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group is commonly referred to as the 'whites' during the Civil War?

    <p>Opponents of the Bolsheviks, including Tsarist officers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the foreign interventions during the Civil War in Russia?

    <p>They were largely unenthusiastic and ineffective (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Trotsky's significant contributions to the Red Army during the Civil War?

    <p>He directed the war from a mobile train, ensuring effective communication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did foreign powers like Britain and Japan approach the Bolshevik regime during the Civil War?

    <p>They were primarily motivated by self-interest and territory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the secret clause of the Treaty of Rapallo?

    <p>German military training within the USSR (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable outcome of the Civil War concerning the Bolshevik state structure?

    <p>The establishment of a totalitarian state. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic model did Lenin introduce that was seen as a compromise between capitalism and socialism?

    <p>State capitalism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'Miracle on the Vistula' refers to what event during the Russo-Polish War?

    <p>Poland's successful defense of Warsaw (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the effect of the 'Zinoviev letter' on British-Soviet relations?

    <p>It soured diplomatic relations between Britain and the USSR (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did many Russians turn against the Bolsheviks during the Civil War?

    <p>They promised reforms but failed to deliver on key issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of the Nomenklatura system emphasized loyalty?

    <p>Loyalty to the party was prioritized above all else (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What crisis exacerbated conditions in urban areas during the Civil War?

    <p>Typhus epidemic resulting in millions of deaths. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tactic did the Bolsheviks use to maintain control over economic life during state capitalism?

    <p>The establishment of the Veshenska. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critical realization occurred by the summer of 1921 regarding world revolution?

    <p>The chances of world revolution were not as imminent as previously thought (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event marked the start of the Civil War against the Bolsheviks in 1918?

    <p>The attack on Bolsheviks by the Czech Legion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main reasons for foreign intervention in the Russian Civil War?

    <p>To stop the spread of communism in Europe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of Kolchak's leadership during the Civil War?

    <p>He alienated many Social Revolutionaries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Bolshevik's military discipline during the Civil War manifest?

    <p>With harsh penalties for signs of disloyalty. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the significant impacts of the Civil War on the Bolshevik party structure?

    <p>Consolidation of power within a centralized structure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Through what mechanism did the Bolsheviks attempt to manage severe food shortages during the Civil War?

    <p>Implementing rationing and requisitioning of surplus produce. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Bolshevik War Communism primarily emphasize?

    <p>Centralised planning of the economy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group faced the severest consequences under War Communism?

    <p>Kulaks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event triggered the Red Terror campaign?

    <p>Lenin's assassination attempt (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main outcome of the Kronstadt rising?

    <p>Suppression of dissent and brutal reprisals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What crucial economic policy was introduced by Lenin in 1921?

    <p>New Economic Policy (NEP) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the NEP affect grain requisitioning?

    <p>It replaced it with a fixed tax. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What led to the 'scissors crisis' observed during the NEP?

    <p>Increase in agricultural production and low industrial output (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one notable feature of the Ban on Factions introduced by Lenin?

    <p>Silencing dissenting perspectives among party members (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary aim of the CHEKA during the Red Terror?

    <p>To enforce Bolshevik political control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who led the Tambov revolt against the Bolshevik government?

    <p>Alexander Antonov (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Lenin refer to the NEP?

    <p>A tactical retreat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the role of Gosplan established in February 1921?

    <p>To plan economic recovery under NEP (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the NEPmen in Soviet trade?

    <p>Private traders contributing to economic recovery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of policies were instituted to deal with the famine of 1921?

    <p>Suppressing revolts through military force (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Bolshevik Dictatorship

    The one-party control established by Bolsheviks post-revolution to enforce socialism.

    Constituent Assembly

    Legislative body elected in 1917, closed by the Bolsheviks in January 1918.

    Lenin's View of Democracy

    Lenin saw Western-style democracy as alien and a hindrance to revolution.

    Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

    Peace treaty signed in 1918, ending Russian involvement in WWI with harsh penalties.

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    Trotsky's Strategy

    Trotsky adopted a 'neither peace nor war' approach to negotiations.

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    Bolshevik Opposition

    Internal disagreements among Bolsheviks regarding the peace terms with Germany.

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    Political Repression

    The act of banning all other political parties by 1921.

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    Economic Losses

    Consequences of the Treaty included major territorial and resource losses for Russia.

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    Nomenklatura system

    A system that allowed only central bodies to nominate party members for key posts, prioritizing party loyalty.

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    Foreign interventions

    Various countries sent limited military support against Bolsheviks, but efforts were ineffective.

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    Comintern

    The Third Communist International focused on worldwide revolution, founded in March 1919.

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    Spartacist uprising

    A failed revolution in Germany believed by Comintern to initiate global revolt.

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    Russo-Polish War

    Conflict between Bolshevik Russia and Poland from 1920 to 1921 resulting in a stalemate.

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    Treaty of Riga

    Peace agreement formalizing the end of the Russo-Polish War in March 1921.

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    Rapallo Treaty

    1922 agreement restoring diplomatic relations between Russia and Germany post WWI.

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    Zinoviev letter

    A forged letter that damaged British-Soviet relations by falsely implicating communism in Britain.

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    Miracle on the Vistula

    The successful Polish defense of Warsaw against Russian forces in 1920.

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    Diplomatic isolation of Russia

    Russia was diplomatically isolated post-1920, impacting relations with Western nations.

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    War Communism

    Economic policy by Bolsheviks treating the economy as a single enterprise to solve issues through central planning.

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    Prodrazvyorkstka

    Requisitioning of agricultural products from peasants to supply cities during War Communism.

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    Cheka

    The Bolshevik secret police responsible for enforcing policies and carrying out Red Terror activities.

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    Red Terror

    A campaign of political repression and violence led by the Bolsheviks from 1918 to 1920.

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    Tambov Revolt

    A peasant uprising against grain requisitioning in Tambov Province, 1920-1921.

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    Kronstadt Rising

    A rebellion by sailors at Kronstadt naval base demanding political reforms in 1921.

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    NEP (New Economic Policy)

    Introduced by Lenin in 1921, this policy allowed some private trade and small-scale industry.

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    Gosplan

    State planning committee established in February 1921 to manage the Soviet economy under NEP.

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    Scissors Crisis

    Economic situation in the early 1920s where food prices fell while industrial goods prices rose, creating a disconnect.

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    Ban on Factions

    Policy introduced at the Tenth Party Congress to enforce party unity and suppress dissenting voices.

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    Kulik class

    Peasants who became wealthier under NEP, able to sell surplus produce.

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    Mensheviks and SR Party

    Political groups banned by Lenin that opposed Bolshevik policies during the civil war.

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    Censorship during NEP

    Tight controls on publications, requiring all writings to be approved before release.

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    Collective farming encouragement

    Bolshevik attempt to organize agriculture into collective farms, though rarely complied by peasants.

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    Labour discipline

    Strict regulations imposed by the state like extended work hours and bans on strikes during War Communism.

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    Red Guards

    Paramilitary groups formed to protect the Bolshevik regime.

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    Red Army

    Military force of workers and peasants led by Trotsky.

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    Secular State

    Separation of church and state in Russia under Bolsheviks.

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    Nationalisation of Industry

    State ownership of industry established by the Bolsheviks.

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    Soviet Constitution 1918

    First constitution of the Soviet Union proclaiming the rights of workers and peasants.

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    Civil War Causes

    Opposition to Bolsheviks stemmed from various social and political grievances.

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    Whites

    Opponents of the Bolsheviks in the Civil War, including Tsarist supporters.

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    Trotsky's Role

    Trotsky directed the Red Army and maintained high morale during the Civil War.

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    Red Army Discipline

    Strict enforcement of loyalty, with severe penalties for disloyalty.

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    Murder of the Tsar

    Execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family by Bolsheviks in 1918.

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    Totalitarian Origins

    The Civil War laid the foundation for a totalitarian state in Russia.

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    State Capitalism

    Economic system bridging capitalism and socialism introduced by Lenin.

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    GOERLO

    State commission responsible for electricity production and distribution in Russia.

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    Urban Conditions During Civil War

    Severe shortages and hardships faced by city dwellers due to war.

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    Epidemics and Deaths

    Typhus epidemic caused over 3 million deaths in 1920 due to poor conditions.

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    Study Notes

    Bolshevik Consolidation (1918-1924)

    • One-Party Control: Lenin and the Bolsheviks opposed liberal democracy, favoring a dictatorship of the proletariat. Elections for the Constituent Assembly in November 1917 resulted in SR victory (53%) and Bolshevik (24%) votes. The Assembly was forcibly dissolved on January 5, 1918, leading to protests and casualties. All other political parties were banned by 1921.

    • Ending WWI Involvement: Bolshevik leaders disagreed on peace terms. Lenin favored a temporary peace, believing revolution would spread to Germany. Trotsky's "neither peace nor war" tactic delayed negotiations. The Treaty of Brest-Litosk (March 1918) was signed, resulting in significant territorial losses (1/6 of population, 2 million sq km of land) and reparations to Germany.

    • Consolidation of One-Party State: Decrees after January 1918 included worker control, army restructuring (Red Army), separation of church and state, nationalization of industry, and land socialization. The first Soviet constitution established the All-Russian Congress of Soviets as the supreme power, excluding former "exploiting classes" from voting.

    The Civil War (Causes and Course)

    • Causes: Opposition arose from various groups (right, middle, left). Former Tsarist sympathizers, SRs, and some national minorities opposed Bolshevik rule. Economic hardship further alienated segments of the population.

    • Course: White armies (Denikin, Yudenich, Kolchak, Wrangel) fought the Bolsheviks. The Czech Legion's attack in Siberia triggered open conflict. The Bolsheviks held central Russia. Geographical advantages and organization favored their victory by 1920, though the conflict had a heavy human cost (10 million deaths).

    Role of Trotsky

    • Military Leadership: Trotsky directed the Red Army from a train, visiting commanders, ensuring supplies, and boosting morale. He integrated former Tsarist officers into the Red Army. Discipline was strict, with harsh penalties for disloyalty. He modernized the Red Army, introducing traditional ranks and conscription.

    Murder of the Tsar

    • Elimination: Bolsheviks feared the former Tsar as a source of resistance. In July 1918, the entire Tsarist family was executed without trial.

    Red Victory Reasons

    • Centralized Government: The totalitarian state, originating in the Civil War, centralized leadership. Party members (over half a million) fought, fostering obedience and a military mentality. This also led to a substantial growth in the soviet bureaucracy. The Politburo established in 1919 gradually assumed greater power.

    Economic and Social Developments

    • State Capitalism: An intermediate stage toward socialism. The Supreme Council of National Economy (Veshenska) and GOERLO (electricity production) were created as state organizations in this period.

    • Conditions During Civil War: Industrial production, inflation, and urban strife increased. Food shortages, fuel scarcity, and basic necessities emerged, with the worst conditions in urban areas impacting the proletariat. Epidemics (typhus) further devastated the populace. Violence (especially in Ukraine) were factors as well.

    • War Communism: The Bolsheviks treated the Russian economy as a single unit to maximize production. This included grain requisitioning (Prodrazvyorstka), nationalizing industries, restricting trade, and imposing labor discipline. These policies reduced output significantly. Rationing was based on social class, discriminating against former elites.

    • Red Terror: The Bolsheviks implemented coercion to sustain their policies, using arbitrary terror against those who opposed them, including workers and peasants. The Cheka carried out class warfare and used concentration camps.

    • Revolts (1920-1921): The Tambov revolt (peasants against grain requisitioning) and Kronstadt rising (naval sailors demanding democracy) highlighted dissent. These conflicts were brutally suppressed.

    The NEP and its Impact

    • Economic Impact: The New Economic Policy (NEP) ended grain requisitioning, permitted private trade, and allowed peasants to sell surplus produce. Small businesses flourished, and agricultural production improved, leading to economic recovery. However, imbalances and the scissors crisis emerged (the result of a large supply of goods and a significant lag in industrial output to produce consumer goods for the peasants), but the government resolved this with price capping.
    • Political Impact: The NEP was presented as a temporary measure (Lenin's view). The ban on factions, increased censorship, creation of the Nomenklatura system, and persecution of religious groups were part of the new political landscape.

    Foreign Intervention in the Civil War

    • Limited Impact: Foreign intervention with Britain, France, Japan, and US support for the Whites was uncoordinated and ineffective.

    Comintern and Russo-Polish War

    • Comintern: The Third Communist International (Comintern) aimed to spread revolution globally. However, their ambitions waned as uprisings failed.
    • Russo-Polish War: Poland fought against the Red Army, ultimately securing its borders with the Treaty of Riga. Lenin's prediction of a Polish revolution did not materialize.

    Discussions Leading to the Rapallo Treaty

    • Diplomatic Isolation: Russia sought out new diplomatic allies, eventually meeting with Germany at the Conference of Genoa. This facilitated the Treaty of Rapallo, re-establishing diplomatic relations and resolving WW1 debts

    Recognition and the Zinoviev Letter

    • Recognition: After the Civil War, Britain accepted de facto recognition of the Soviet State.
    • Zinoviev Letter: A forged letter linked to Zionviev and the British Communist Party. It worsened Anglo-Soviet diplomatic relations, isolating Russia.

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    Description

    Explore the significant events of Bolshevik consolidation from 1918 to 1924. This quiz covers the establishment of one-party control, the end of World War I involvement, and the key policies enacted by Lenin and the Bolsheviks. Test your knowledge on this transformative period in Russian history.

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