Lenin And Problems After The October Revolution

748 Words2 Pages

Lenin and Problems After the October Revolution

The initial difficulties faced by the new Soviet Union were to severe

that its survival seemed almost miraculous. The remains of the czarist regime

left Lenin to face a country wrought with war, devastated economically.

Russia's involvement in World War I, followed by its Civil War, wide spread

famine and a change in political and social ideology were the problems

confronting Lenin after the October Revolution. Lenin did succeed in ending

both the war with Germany and the Civil War for Russia. Yet, the economic and

social aspects of the revolution can be more critically assessed.

Lenin knew the importance of ending Russian involvement in World War I.

On March 3, 1918 Russia lost 1/3 of its fertile farm lands, 1/3 of its

population, 2/3 of its coal mines and oil fields and 1/2 of its heavy industry

to German peace terms. Though the treaty of Brest-Litovsk was harsh, the terms

were annulled once the Allied powers defeated Germany. Lenin managed to end the

war that had for so long depressed Russia's resources and morale. He succeeded

in focusing on the severe internal problems of the new government, and in “

saving the socialist republic” . One of the largest problems that Russia faced

prior to the October Revolution was finally ended, though its effects were still

to be felt.

Almost immediately afterwards, in 1918, Civil War begins. The battling

White Army divided amongst different leader...

Open Document