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.

Poster: 'The Enemy is Dangerous at Sea! Strengthen the Red Fleet!'

Unknown artist, c. 1923 (Source: Sputnik)

Registration for active service

Source: The Henry Sara Collection at the MRC

Sailors preparing to Kerensky’s counterattack, 1917

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

Poster depicting 'Denikin's Gang'

'Denikin’s Gang' are shown waving a White Russian flag which proclaims “Smash workers and peasants”. The text at the bottom urges people to "Defend soviets! Defend your freedom and your government!” (Source: Sputnik)

Poster: 'We Will Win', 1918

Source: Sputnik

Red victims of the White Army

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

Red Partisans of the Irkutsk Military District, 1918

Source: Sputnik

Three Bloody Men by Joseph King

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Source: Marx Memorial Library (MML)

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The Russian Civil War - Introduction

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 Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC).

Just...

Poster: 'Throw Wrangel into the Black Sea'

Source: Sputnik

Baron Wrangel originally served in the Russian Imperial Army. After the Revolution, he was active in anti-Bolshevik movements. Towards the end of the Russian Civil War, he became a...

Poster: 'Defend Petrograd with Might!'

Source: Sputnik

Poster reproduction of Alexandr Apsit (1880-1944).

The Petrograd Defence of 1919.

The Red Army enacted military operations which aimed to protect Petrograd in May-December 1919. General...

Poster: 'Volunteer for the Red Cavalry', 1920

Source: Sputnik

Sergey Lazo (1894-1920), a Russian revolutionary, one of the Soviet leaders in Siberia and the Far East, participant in the Civil War.

Source: Sputnik...

Poster: 'Did you volunteer?' by D. Moor, 1920

Source: Sputnik

Poster: 'Year of the Red Army, 1918-1919'

Source: Sputnik

Poster: 'October 1917-1920'

Source: Sputnik

Ivan Fedko, Civil War Hero for the Reds

Source: Sputnik

IVAN FEDKO

Ivan Fedko originally fought for the Imperial Russian Army during World War 1 but joined the Bolsheviks near the war's end. During the Russian Civil War, he...