Extended Writing Essay: Lenin, the Russian Civil War, and the Polish-Soviet War
Make reference to the photograph titled ‘How Bolsheviks Punish Villagers’
a) In October 1917, the Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, seized
control of the Winter Palace and overthrew the Provisional Government. They crushed
the newly established Constitutional Assembly after failing to win a majority in the
elections. Rejecting the results, the Bolsheviks shut it down, marking the end of
democracy in Russia. At the start of 1918, Russia had lost land because of the Treaty of
Brest-Litovsk. The treaty was signed on the 3rd of March, 1918, and it sought to end
Russia’s involvement in World War One. However, the conditions of the treaty were
harsh and left Russia at a loss. Lenin’s alliance with Germany caused many people to
view him as a German spy, and this perception caused him to lose the support of the
allies- powerful nations who were industrialised and had competent armies- in addition
losing support from the Russian populace. Any members of the Russian populace who
opposed the Bolshevik Regime- such as Tsarists, capitalists and moderate liberals-
were swiftly dealt with and eliminated by the CHEKA, the first Soviet secret police
Make reference to the photograph titled ‘How Bolsheviks Punish Villagers’
a) In October 1917, the Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, seized
control of the Winter Palace and overthrew the Provisional Government. They crushed
the newly established Constitutional Assembly after failing to win a majority in the
elections. Rejecting the results, the Bolsheviks shut it down, marking the end of
democracy in Russia. At the start of 1918, Russia had lost land because of the Treaty of
Brest-Litovsk. The treaty was signed on the 3rd of March, 1918, and it sought to end
Russia’s involvement in World War One. However, the conditions of the treaty were
harsh and left Russia at a loss. Lenin’s alliance with Germany caused many people to
view him as a German spy, and this perception caused him to lose the support of the
allies- powerful nations who were industrialised and had competent armies- in addition
losing support from the Russian populace. Any members of the Russian populace who
opposed the Bolshevik Regime- such as Tsarists, capitalists and moderate liberals-
were swiftly dealt with and eliminated by the CHEKA, the first Soviet secret police
