What Role Did Trotsky Play In The Russian Civil War

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Trotsky played a vital role in being successful in the Russian Civil War as he provided strong, intellectual leadership to the Bolsheviks, however his success and the power of the Bolsheviks were also the result of many weaknesses from the Whites, in their preparation and ability. Ultimately helping the Bolsheviks securing the victory in the 1917 Russian Revolution.

Trotsky’s reorganisation of the Red Army was vital to Bolshevik success. In March 1918, Trotsky was given the job of creating a professional army. His task was enormous. He had the support of an army in the form of the red Guards, who had provided military backing from the Bolsheviks during and after the October revolution. However this wasn’t the large disciplined army Russia needed to win the …show more content…
He expressed the view that soldiers' committees could not lead regiments in time of war, instead he insisted that a return to military discipline was required and he demanded that the Red Army should have proper, central control. Administration of the Red Army forced Trotsky's attention to: recruiting centres, barracks, and supplies were needed. Under the slogan, "Work, Discipline and order will save the Soviet Republic" Trotsky sought full soviet support for the construction of a Red Army. After this recruitment began. There was no consistency in the quality of the early Red Army units, some were very well disciplined and effective, while others were little better than a rabble. Quality officers were at a particular premium, and Trotsky had to accept former Tsarist officers who were prepared to serve in the Red Army. Precautions were subsequently used during the Civil War to ensure that these officers would think twice about switching allegiance. For example, a register of their families was kept and Trotsky made it known that their families would be used as hostages if they deserted from the Red Army. In addition, a Communist commissar was placed at each officer's side to ensure
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