What were the main challenges faced by the Soviet government after the Russian Revolution?

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What were the main challenges faced by the Soviet government after the Russian Revolution?

After the Russian Revolution, the Soviet government faced several significant challenges that posed threats to their newly established regime. These challenges can be categorized into political, economic, and social aspects.

Politically, the Soviet government had to contend with internal opposition from various groups, including the White Army, which consisted of anti-Bolshevik forces seeking to overthrow the new regime. The White Army, supported by foreign powers, engaged in a civil war that lasted from 1918 to 1922. This conflict not only drained the government's resources but also posed a significant threat to their authority.

Economically, the Soviet government faced the daunting task of rebuilding a war-torn country. The Russian economy was in shambles, with widespread famine, inflation, and a lack of industrial infrastructure. The government had to implement policies such as War Communism, which involved nationalizing industries and requisitioning grain from peasants, in an attempt to address these challenges. However, these policies led to further economic hardships and resistance from the peasantry.

Socially, the Soviet government faced opposition from various social groups, including the peasantry and the Orthodox Church. The peasantry, who were the majority of the population, resisted the government's attempts to collectivize agriculture and redistribute land. This resistance resulted in the government resorting to violent measures, such as the Red Army's suppression of the Tambov Rebellion in 1920-1921.

Additionally, the Orthodox Church, which had been a significant institution in Russian society, faced persecution and suppression under the Soviet government's policy of state atheism. This led to further social unrest and resistance from religious communities.

Overall, the Soviet government faced immense challenges after the Russian Revolution, including political opposition, economic devastation, and social unrest. These challenges required the government to make difficult decisions and implement policies that often resulted in further hardships and resistance.