russia foreign relations

Attitudes of Foreign Powers Towards the Bolshevik Regime (1918-1924)

The major Western powers, especially Britain, France, and the United States, were deeply hostile to the Bolshevik regime for several reasons:

• Ideological Opposition: They feared the spread of communism and the overthrow of capitalist systems, especially after the success of the October Revolution in 1917.

  Russian Withdrawal from World War I: The Bolsheviks’ decision to exit World War I (through the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918) angered the Allies, as Russia had been a major part of the Allied forces. The Allies saw this as a betrayal and a destabilizing action.

Biggest reason for red victory

the centralized leadership and military organization under Lenin and Trotsky were the biggest reasons for the Reds' victory. Their ability to maintain a unified front, create a highly disciplined military, and control the strategic centers of Russia allowed them to overcome the divided and disorganized White Army. Additionally, their ability to secure support from key segments of the population, exploit divisions within the White forces, and utilize effective propaganda played crucial roles in securing their triumph in the Russian Civil War

Civil war foreign intervention

The Allies (Britain, France, and the USA), who sent troops to Russia in support of the White Army and to prevent Bolshevik expansion.

Impact: While foreign intervention was significant, it was not enough to overthrow the Bolsheviks. The Red Army, under Trotsky’s leadership, was able to maintain control and defeat the Whites. The intervention, however, was resented by many Russians and is seen as a factor in rallying support for the Bolsheviks, who portrayed themselves as defenders of Russian sovereignty against foreign invasion.

The comintern

established by Lenin in March 1919 to encourage worldwide revolution and the spread of communist ideas

Lenin’s Vision: Lenin believed that socialism in one country (Russia) was not sufficient for long-term survival, and that international revolution was necessary. The Comintern sought to unite and coordinate communist parties across the world to overthrow capitalist governments.

Impact: It initially provided support to revolutionary movements in places like Germany, Hungary, and Finland. However, the practical success of the Comintern was limited by the lack of successful revolutions outside Russia.

League of nations

• The Soviet Union and the League of Nations (1934): The USSR joined the League of Nations in 1934, signaling a shift towards more active involvement in international diplomacy.

Official recognition of the soviet union

• , Germany officially recognized the USSR in 1922. This recognition came about through the Treaty of Rapallo, signed on April 16, 1922,

• 1924: Britain officially recognized the Soviet Union in February 1924. This was a significant turning point, marking the first major Western power to recognize the Bolshevik government.

Russo polish war

• The War (1919-1921): The war saw fierce fighting between the Red Army and Polish forces.

  Initially, the Red Army made significant advances, but the Battle of Warsaw (August 1920) was a turning point where the Polish forces successfully repelled the Bolsheviks.

• Treaty of Riga (1921): The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Riga, which established the borders between Poland and Soviet Russia. Poland gained significant territory, and the Soviet Union’s westward expansion was halted

Treaty of rapallo

April 1922
The Rapallo Treaty restored diplomatic and economic relations between Germany and russia. It had several important components:

Economic Cooperation: Germany and the Soviet Union agreed to trade goods and provide each other with economic assistance.

Mutual Recognition: Both nations recognized each other diplomatically, despite the fact that they were ideologically different.

Significance: The treaty helped both countries deal with international isolation. It also served as a precursor to future German-Soviet cooperation, which would later become more important in the 1930s.

The soviet

• In 1922, the Soviet Union was formally established, bringing together Russia and several other republics, including Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasia (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan).

The zinoviev letter

A forged letter published in the British Daily Mail, just before the UK general election

✍ Claimed:

• British communists should prepare for revolution

• Labour Party should strengthen ties with the USSR

💥 Impact:

• Scandal in Britain; contributed to Labour’s loss in the 1924 election

• Damaged UK–USSR relations — recognition withdrawn

• Used as evidence of Soviet interference in foreign democracies

Lenins rule by 1924

Won Civil War despite foreign intervention

Formed important diplomatic alliances (e.g., Rapallo)

Maintained ideological commitment to world revolution via Comintern, but also pragmatic when needed

🔹 Limitations:

• Comintern failed to spread revolution abroad (esp. after Polish defeat)

• Still isolated internationally in 1924

• Tension between foreign diplomacy and ideological purity