Bolshevik consolidation, 1918–1924 key terms

War Communism

A series of economic and political measures implemented by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War aimed at centralizing control of the economy and ensuring supplies for the Red Army.

Constituent Assembly

A legislative body elected in 1917 that was dissolved by the Bolsheviks in January 1918, marking a key step in their consolidation of power.

White Army

The collective name for the anti-Bolshevik forces during the Russian Civil War, comprising various groups including monarchists, liberals, and foreign interventionists.

Cheka

The Bolshevik secret police established in December 1917 to combat counter-revolution and political dissent, playing a key role in the Red Terror.

Red Terror

A campaign of political repression and mass executions carried out by the Bolshevik government from 1918 to 1922 to eliminate opposition.

Tambov Revolt

A peasant uprising in 1920-1921 against Bolshevik policies, particularly War Communism, reflecting widespread discontent in rural areas.

Bolshevik Revolution

The Bolshevik Revolution, occurring in October 1917, was the overthrow of the Provisional Government in Russia by the Bolshevik Party, leading to the establishment of a communist government.

Civil War

The Russian Civil War (1917-1922) was a multi-party conflict fought between the Bolshevik Red Army and the anti-Bolshevik White Army, resulting in the consolidation of Bolshevik power.