Red Army

Definition

The Red Army was the military force of the Soviet Union, established after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. It played a crucial role in the Russian Civil War, fighting for the Bolshevik government against various anti-Bolshevik factions, known as the White Army. The Red Army's formation marked the beginning of a new era in Russian military history, reflecting the broader political and social upheavals resulting from the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Red Army was officially established in January 1918 to defend the Bolshevik government and consolidate power following the October Revolution.
2. Leon Trotsky played a significant role as the People's Commissar for War, organizing and leading the Red Army during the Russian Civil War.
3. The Red Army employed a strategy of mobilization and centralized command, which allowed it to effectively respond to threats from both external and internal enemies.
4. By 1920, the Red Army had grown significantly in size and capability, ultimately defeating the White Army and securing Bolshevik control over Russia.
5. Post-Civil War, the Red Army became a key instrument in promoting communist ideology and expanding Soviet influence both domestically and internationally.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Red Army impact the outcome of the Russian Civil War?
  • The establishment of the Red Army significantly impacted the outcome of the Russian Civil War by providing a unified military force dedicated to defending Bolshevik power. Under Leon Trotsky's leadership, it successfully organized and mobilized resources, which allowed it to outmaneuver and defeat various anti-Bolshevik factions known as the White Army. The Red Army's effectiveness and commitment to revolutionary ideals helped secure Bolshevik control over Russia.
• Discuss how Leon Trotsky’s strategies contributed to the success of the Red Army during the civil conflict.
  • Leon Trotsky's strategies were pivotal to the success of the Red Army during the civil conflict. He implemented centralized command structures, ensuring efficient coordination among troops while also fostering discipline through political education and ideological training. Additionally, Trotsky's ability to recruit experienced officers from previous imperial armies helped enhance military effectiveness. His focus on mobility and rapid deployment allowed the Red Army to capitalize on weaknesses among enemy forces.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Red Army’s victory in the Russian Civil War for Soviet foreign policy in subsequent decades.
  • The Red Army’s victory in the Russian Civil War had profound long-term consequences for Soviet foreign policy. It established a strong foundation for a one-party state under communist rule, enabling the Soviet Union to project its influence beyond its borders. This victory paved the way for aggressive expansionism and support for communist movements worldwide, as evidenced by involvement in international conflicts like the Spanish Civil War and later World War II. The belief in spreading revolution shaped Soviet relations with other nations throughout much of the 20th century.

Related terms

Bolsheviks: A faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party led by Vladimir Lenin that advocated for a socialist revolution and established the Soviet state.

White Army: A coalition of anti-Bolshevik forces during the Russian Civil War, including monarchists, liberals, and other groups opposed to Bolshevik rule.

Soviet Union: The socialist state that emerged after the Bolshevik Revolution, comprising multiple republics and existing from 1922 until its dissolution in 1991.