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Arya Singh 9C
Word Count: 1,170

Question: How significant was the role of Trotsky in the achievement of victory by the Bolsheviks in the

Russian Civil War? Explain your answer.

Answer:

There are numerous significant factors concerning the success of the Bolsheviks in the Civil War of

1918. The Bolsheviks, also known as the Red Terrors were considered the lesser of two evils when

compared to their opponents, groups of Anti-Bolshevik elements known as the Whites. The Reds

had clear advantages regarding terrain, public opinion, unity, political superiority as well as the

policy of War Communism. However one can largely contribute the triumph of the Russian Civil

War to a singular political figure, Leon Trotsky. The Bolsheviks trounced in the Civil War due to

Trotsky’s brilliant oration, exemplary political thinking as well as his innate ability to work with

military specialists. These factors generated the opinion that Trotsky was the prime reason for the

feat of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War but it can be argued that the advantages of the

Bolsheviks and weaknesses of the Whites resulted in their success.

Firstly, the Bolsheviks had a large advantage regarding terrain. When the Civil War first began the

central regions of Russia which spanned between Petrograd and Moscow. This provided them with

access to a large amount of Russia's railways such as the Trans-Siberian Railway which enabled

communication amongst the party convenient. This also allowed Trotsky’s position as Commissar

of war much more productive as he was able to foresee the situation in numerous areas with ease.

Moreover, The Reds also controlled the key cities in Russia, this made conscription for the Red

Army more efficient as the cities had large populations. In addition to that the cities were saturated

with industry, raw materials and mines aiding Bolsheviks with equipment for the Red Army, this

kept the troops with machinery. Leaving the Whites with a great geographical disadvantage.

Similarly, the Whites also had a great disadvantage regarding the unity and cohesion of their party.
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Secondly, While the Bolsheviks had Lenin as their leader while no one person was in charge of the

White forces. The Whites lacked a particular goal whereas the Bolsheviks all worked towards a

single agenda, the establishment and survival of a communist Russia as opposed to the White

armies who did not share a single ideology, methodology or political goal. The Whites were

composed of several differing anti-Bolshevik groups such as the Mensheviks, Social

Revolutionaries, supporters of the Tsarist regime and many more. The people of Russia were

displeased by the affiliation of the White forces with the Tsardom and opted to support the

Bolsheviks. More, The Whites also had foreign aid as Capitalist countries such as USA, France,

Britain and Japan were attempting to suppress the spread of Communism and were attempting to

get Russia to join the fight against Germany. The Bolsheviks used these factors and turned them

into propaganda, therefore raising fears about involvement in war as well as the return of a Tsarist

Russia. Moreover, the brutality of the White forces further deepened the dislike of the Whites

amongst the Russian public. A source from the book ‘Lenin For Beginners’ by R. Appignanesi

describes just how barbaric the White forces were by stating that not even the the highest figure of

executions by the Red Army were pale in comparison to the ones “in Finland alone, the number of

workers the Whites executed by the White approaches 100,00.” In addition Red Army generals were

kept loyal by taking their families hostage making the Bolsheviks cohesive and orderly towards a

single goal, victory. In like manner, the policy of War Communism introduced by Lenin lead to

strict discipline and obedience amongst the Russian public

Thirdly, the policy of War Communism, which dictated the nationalisation of the factories, as well

as the introduction of military discipline. Strikes were made illegal and rationing was introduced

and forced the peasants to give food to the government.

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In contrast, Leon Trotsky’s role in the triumph of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War could be

considered larger then that of the strengths of the Reds. Trotsky provided the organisation required

for Bolsheviks to win. A quote by Lenin describes just how infatuated he was by saying that he was

“in love with organisation”. Trotsky also provided the motivation required for the Bolsheviks to

win due to his brilliance in oration as well as the literary department.

When Trotsky was made War Commissar his duty was to eradicate every threat to the Bolshevik

Government, despite being unspecialised in the military department, Trotsky was successful. More

Trotsky’s strict and ruthless policies forbade men from desertion, he issued the following order soon

after he got the position of War Commissar: “I give warning that if any unit retreats without orders,

the first to be shot down will be the commissary of the unit, and next the commander. Brave and

gallant soldiers will be appointed in their places. Cowards, bastards and traitors will not escape the

bullet. This I solemnly promise in the presence of the entire Red Army.” This order reveals how

radical Leon Trotsky could be and what he would do for victory.

Similarly, Trotsky’s thirst for victory was prevalent when he introduced conscription country-wide.

He issued the following statement after news that the Whites had international support.

"Recognising the existence of an acute military danger, we must take steps really to transform

Soviet Russia into a military camp. With the help of the party and the trade-unions a registration

must be carried out listing every member of the party, of the Soviet institutions and the trade-

unions, with a view to using them for military service.” This statement furthers Trotsky’s extremist

personality and policies.

In conclusion, The strengths and clever policies of the Bolsheviks such as superiority regarding

terrain, cohesion and the policy of War Communism could've been why the Bolsheviks won the
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Russian Civil War but it can be argued that Leon Trotsky’s radical ideas such as countrywide

conscription, holding families hostage for loyalty, terrific verbal skills as well as intricate

organisation and well planned military strategies were also the reason for the triumph of the

Bolsheviks in the Civil War.

Self Assessment:

I. Relevant & Accurate Content: 6/10

II. Structure, Organisation & Subject Specific Terminology: 4/10

III. Interrelationship Between Factors: 4/10

IV. Well Developed, Well Reasoned Answer With Proper Conclusion: 5/10

Total: 23/40