Chapter 13

Question 1

Why were the Bolsheviks split on how to end the war?

Answer 1

signed an armistice, where the German government demanded Russian territory.

Bukharin led the ‘revolutionary war’ group.

Argument = need for pragmatism over pure ideology.
Others = pursue war to defence socialism and Russia.

Question 2

What was the Bolshevik outlook on ending the war with Germany?

Answer 2

Whilst ideologically committed to rousing the German workers into revolution, the Bolsheviks were simultaneously committed to pursuing peace with the Germans.

Question 3

What was Lenin’s response to the end of the war?

Answer 3

Pragmatic.

Treaty of Brest Litovsk.

Set a precedent that socialism at home would take priority over the spread of an international revolution.

Question 4

What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

Answer 4

signed 3rd March 1918.

• most of Russia’s western border was lost
• Russia lost 1/6 of its population (62 million)
• lost 2 million km^2 of land; including the area that produced almost 1/3 of Russia’s agricultural produce
• 26% of Russia’s railway lines = lost
• 74% of iron ore and coal supplies were taken

Question 5

What slogan did Lenin use to show a conventional Marxist view?

Answer 5

“all power to the Soviets”