The Russian Civil War (1918-21)

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and figures from the Russian Civil War, helping students understand the causes, major players, and outcomes of the conflict.

The Russian Civil War raged from to , ending in Communist victory.

mid-1918 to early 1921

The Bolsheviks were also known as the __, while their political enemies were called the __.

Reds; Whites

The Bolsheviks' political opponents were not prepared to accept their __ rule.

absolute

Lenin wanted a conflict to destroy his opponents in a short war rather than be challenged by them throughout __ rule.

Bolshevik

Some fought the Civil War to achieve __ from the Russian Empire, but others fought to prevent it.

independence

The Allies called for direct military action against the Bolsheviks, angered by the Russian withdrawal from the __ and the cancelling of the Tsar's debts.

First World War

At the beginning of the Civil War, it was far from obvious that the __ would win.

Reds

Lenin was forced to make __ Russia's new capital, as White forces threatened Petrograd.

Moscow

During the Civil War, the Reds controlled the most densely populated areas, containing around __ people.

70 million

The Whites controlled only around __ people, which limited their resources.

20 million

General Yudenich was based in __, General Anton Denikin in southern Russia, and Admiral Kolchak was based in the north.

Estonia

Nestor Makhno's forces, known as the __, controlled a small area of the Ukraine.

Greens

Nationalists controlled areas of the former Russian Empire, such as __, __, and __.

Georgia; Armenia; Azerbaijan

Trotsky proved himself to be a very effective leader of the __ Army.

Red

Trotsky enforced strict __ within the army to ensure loyalty.

discipline

The murder of the Tsar occurred on __ July 1918.

17

The Romanovs had been moved to a number of different locations around Russia to prevent __ supporters from rescuing them.

Tsarist