“The political and military weaknesses of the Whites led to Bolshevik victory in the Russian Civil War.” Discuss.

Candidates must offer a considered and balanced review of the weaknesses of the Whites against the relative strengths of the Bolsheviks and consider how these contributed to the victory of the Bolsheviks by 1921. The focus should be on military strength and strategy and the political policies and unity of both sides.

Indicative content

Weakness of the Whites

• They had a divided military leadership (Yudenich, Deniken, Kolchak) and geographically separated armies. Also it was never quite clear which side some forces were fighting for, for example “the Czech Legion” and the Greens.
• They had divided political goals; some Whites were monarchists so they lacked a clear aim after Ekaterinburg and some, such as the moderate Social Revolutionaries, wanted a republic. There was no consistent political leadership (Siberia had 19 governments in 1918) and no unifying ideology.
• Lack of popular support was a weakness. The Bolsheviks were not very popular, but many peasants feared the loss of land gained during the revolution if the Whites were victorious. Also the White forces tended to “live off the land”.
• The Whites had limited support from other powers who, although hostile to communism, never organized a concerted invasion of Russia. Foreign intervention had largely ended by 1920.

Strengths of the Bolsheviks

• The Bolsheviks and their allies, Left Socialist Revolutionaries for example, had a clear aim to defend the gains of the revolution. They also claimed they were protecting Russia from foreign interference.
• Trotsky was an effective and ruthless military leader. He restored discipline and used former tsarist officers to lead the Red Army, which numbered 5 million by 1921.
• The Bolsheviks retained control of the heartland of Russia, including Moscow and Petrograd, and the key means of communication.
• There was effective political leadership from Lenin who extended party control throughout Bolshevik areas. The policy of War Communism ensured that the Red Army was adequately supplied. Key industrial areas remained under Bolshevik control.
• There was support from the peasants who feared loss of land. The Bolsheviks “promised” payment for requisitioned supplies.
• The Reds were able to pose as patriotic because the Whites were supported by foreign powers.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]