1E: Russia, 1917-1991: from Lenin to Yeltsin
Introduction: the impact of the First World War
Russia declared war on Germany on 30th July 1914; initially, because of the German Schlieffen
Plan focused on France, the Russian Armies met great success.
But at Tannenburg, at the end of August 1914, they were defeated and lost an army of over
100,000 men.
Another major defeat quickly followed at the Battle of the Masurian Lakes in September 1914.
From then on the Russians were always on the defensive, or being driven back by the Germans.
Following a series of defeats the Tsar decided to take over as Head of the Army in 1915. He
hoped it would rally the troops and help secure victory.
Of course it left a power vacuum at home, with his wife, Alexandra, left in charge of the
Government. The leaders of the Duma tried hard to persuade the Tsar not to go but he felt it was
his duty.
In June 1916, to help the Allies at the time of Verdun and the Somme, the Russians launched the
Brusilov Offensive against the Austro-Hungarian army in Galicia.
This was initially very successful, and caused severe casualties to the Austro-Hungarian Army.
With help from the Germans, the Russians were again pushed back.
Military factors
The large, but old-fashioned, Russian Army was no match for the Germans with their superior
equipment and tactics.
There were real difficulties in supplying enough rifles, equipment, clothing, food, and medical
supplies to the troops in the front line. There was a severe shortage of artillery shells. Transport
was a nightmare, as Russia's roads were so poor and the railways just could not cope.
Russia's Generals had been promoted on seniority, and loyalty to the Tsar, rather than on their
understanding of modern warfare. Many were old and had not learnt the lessons of the Russo-
Japanese war of 1904-5.
In 1915, when the Tsar assumed control of the army, things became even worse. He was no
better at military planning than his generals.
Constant defeats drained the loyalty of the troops - by 1917 desertions were high.
Economic factors
The call up of millions of peasants, and horses, made farming much more difficult. Nevertheless
there were good harvests in 1914, 1915 and 1916.
The Army dominated transport needs, so food and fuel supplies to towns suffered. There was
probably enough food and fuel available for everyone, there was just not enough transport to
make sure it reached the cities where it was needed.
1
Introduction: the impact of the First World War
Russia declared war on Germany on 30th July 1914; initially, because of the German Schlieffen
Plan focused on France, the Russian Armies met great success.
But at Tannenburg, at the end of August 1914, they were defeated and lost an army of over
100,000 men.
Another major defeat quickly followed at the Battle of the Masurian Lakes in September 1914.
From then on the Russians were always on the defensive, or being driven back by the Germans.
Following a series of defeats the Tsar decided to take over as Head of the Army in 1915. He
hoped it would rally the troops and help secure victory.
Of course it left a power vacuum at home, with his wife, Alexandra, left in charge of the
Government. The leaders of the Duma tried hard to persuade the Tsar not to go but he felt it was
his duty.
In June 1916, to help the Allies at the time of Verdun and the Somme, the Russians launched the
Brusilov Offensive against the Austro-Hungarian army in Galicia.
This was initially very successful, and caused severe casualties to the Austro-Hungarian Army.
With help from the Germans, the Russians were again pushed back.
Military factors
The large, but old-fashioned, Russian Army was no match for the Germans with their superior
equipment and tactics.
There were real difficulties in supplying enough rifles, equipment, clothing, food, and medical
supplies to the troops in the front line. There was a severe shortage of artillery shells. Transport
was a nightmare, as Russia's roads were so poor and the railways just could not cope.
Russia's Generals had been promoted on seniority, and loyalty to the Tsar, rather than on their
understanding of modern warfare. Many were old and had not learnt the lessons of the Russo-
Japanese war of 1904-5.
In 1915, when the Tsar assumed control of the army, things became even worse. He was no
better at military planning than his generals.
Constant defeats drained the loyalty of the troops - by 1917 desertions were high.
Economic factors
The call up of millions of peasants, and horses, made farming much more difficult. Nevertheless
there were good harvests in 1914, 1915 and 1916.
The Army dominated transport needs, so food and fuel supplies to towns suffered. There was
probably enough food and fuel available for everyone, there was just not enough transport to
make sure it reached the cities where it was needed.
1
