History The Russian Revolution Questions Long
The establishment of the Red Army in the Russian Revolution was driven by several key reasons. These reasons can be categorized into political, military, and ideological factors.
Firstly, politically, the Red Army was established as a response to the Russian Civil War, which erupted after the October Revolution in 1917. The Bolshevik government, led by Vladimir Lenin, faced opposition from various groups, including the anti-Bolshevik White Army, foreign intervention forces, and nationalist movements seeking independence from the Russian Empire. To defend the newly formed Soviet state and consolidate Bolshevik power, it became necessary to create a professional military force.
Secondly, from a military perspective, the Red Army was established to replace the disintegrated Russian Imperial Army, which had been severely weakened by World War I and internal conflicts. The Russian Revolution had caused a breakdown in military discipline, with soldiers deserting or joining various factions. The Red Army aimed to reorganize and rebuild a disciplined and loyal military force capable of defending the Bolshevik regime.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Red Army was also driven by ideological factors. The Bolsheviks believed in the necessity of a proletarian revolution and the establishment of a socialist state. They saw the Red Army as an instrument to spread the revolution beyond Russia's borders and support communist movements in other countries. The Red Army was seen as a vanguard force that would protect the gains of the revolution and promote the worldwide proletarian revolution.
Additionally, the Red Army served as a means of mobilizing and organizing the working class and peasantry. The Bolsheviks implemented a policy of conscription, which helped to bring together diverse groups of people who shared a common goal of defending the revolution. The Red Army became a symbol of the revolutionary spirit and a unifying force for the proletariat and peasants.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Red Army in the Russian Revolution was driven by political, military, and ideological factors. It was created to defend the Bolshevik government against internal and external threats, rebuild a disciplined military force, spread the revolution internationally, and mobilize and unite the working class and peasantry. The Red Army played a crucial role in the success of the Bolsheviks and the consolidation of their power during the Russian Revolution.