The Russian Civil War

It was almost inevitable that the October Revolution would lead to a devastating Russian Civil War waged by forces hostile to socialism. Indeed, Lenin had predicted this very outcome. At the end of October 1917, a military advance by troops loyal to Kerensky reached the outskirts of Petrograd but was defeated by Red Guards organised by the MRC.

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26. Sputnik – Keep the Revolutionary Pace, Restless Enemy is Not Asleep

Source: Sputnik

This is revolutionary era poster, from 1919, by artist Anatoly Petritsky [1895-1964], with text by poet Aleksandr Blok [1880-1921...

35. Sputnik_00434853.At the grave of counter-revolution 1920

Source: Sputnik

This poster was created by Viktor Deni. It depicts a Priest and a Capitalist figure weeping at the death of the 'counter-revolution'. Many of the names of...

4. Red Guards preparing to repel Kerensky’s counterattack

Source: Marx Memorial Library (MML)
Reference: PHOTO_SUB_SOVIET_UNION_1917_REVOLUTION+CIVIL_WAR_PERIOD

 

25. Scrss – portait of Kliment Voroshilov

Source: SCRSS

KLIMENT VOROSHILOV

Voroshilov was an active participant in the 1905 revolution and the two revolutions of 1917. After October 1917 he was a member of the Council of Peoples...

16. Denikin_Advance_Map

Source: Marx Memorial Library (MML)

Denikin had been an infantry commander in the pre-revolutionary Russian army. After October, he was a key figure in the White army during the civil war and was supported from November 1918 by Britain and...

2. Peasants armed themselves in the autumn of 1917 on hearing of General Kornilov’s attempted coup

Source: Marx Memorial Library (MML)
Reference: PHOTO_SUB_SOVIET_UNION_1917_REVOLUTION+CIVIL_WAR_PERIOD
...

11. Sputnik Kolchak – Shoot every tenth worker and peasant! Kulak and bourgeoisie bowing to Kolchak (seated)

(Source: Sputnik)

Kolchak (seated) is shown holding a flag which bears the...

15. Kolchak_Advance_Map

Source: Marx Memorial Library (MML)
KOLCHAK
Kolchak, a naval officer, supported the Provisional Government and especially its pro-war position. He vehemently opposed the Bolsheviks and after the October revolution, the defeated Kerensky...

3. Sailors preparing to Kerensky’s counterattack 1917

Source: Marx Memorial Library (MML)
Reference: PHOTO_SUB_SOVIET_UNION_1917_REVOLUTION+CIVIL_WAR_PERIOD

5. Henry Sara_MRC_registration for active service

Source: The Henry Sara Collection at the MRC

18. Red victims of the White Army

Source: Marx Memorial Library (MML)
Reference: PHOTO_SUB_SOVIET_UNION_1917_REVOLUTION+CIVIL_WAR_PERIOD

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