The Russian Civil War (1918-1920) by Major Gordon Corrigan MBE

The lecture begins with Natasha Baker, the marketing manager for Golden Eagle luxury trains, introducing Major Gordon Corrigan, a professional military historian, and author. Major Corrigan has previously accompanied various journeys as a guest lecturer. His expertise spans a range of historical conflicts from the Hundred Years War to World War II. The lecture will focus on the Russian Civil War, which Corrigan describes as one of the most destructive conflicts in modern history, resulting in a significant loss of life due to combat, malnutrition, disease, and atrocities committed by both sides. He emphasizes that while the war is technically dated between 1918 and 1920, its roots and aftermath extend beyond these years.

Major Corrigan provides a historical backdrop leading to the Russian Civil War, highlighting the country's involvement in World War I and the underlying political and social tensions. He discusses the military reforms in Russia, the political infighting among officers, and the economic conditions that set the stage for the revolution. The lecture also touches on the leadership of Grand Duke Nicholas and the challenges he faced, as well as the impact of the war on the Russian army and its infrastructure.

The paragraph details the collapse of the Romanov dynasty following the February Revolution. It discusses the rising discontent among the Russian public, food shortages, corruption, and the failed attempts to conscript Muslims in the Caucasus. The February Revolution led to bread riots in Petrograd (later renamed Saint Petersburg), the formation of the Soviet, and the eventual abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in favor of his brother, Grand Duke Mikhail, who declined the crown, marking the end of the monarchy.

After the monarchy's collapse, a provisional government was established, with Prince Georgy Lvov as Prime Minister and Alexander Kerensky as the Justice Minister. This government was not representative of the population's radical elements, such as the Bolsheviks and other socialist factions. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, who returned to Russia with German assistance, were the only political party advocating for an end to the war. Kerensky eventually became Prime Minister but faced challenges from the Bolsheviks, leading to the October Revolution.

The Bolsheviks, under Lenin's leadership, sought peace with Germany, resulting in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which imposed severe losses on Russia. The treaty led to the independence of Ukraine, Finland, and the Baltic states, and significant territorial and resource losses for Russia. With the end of World War I, the Allies sought to support the anti-Bolshevik White Russians through the Allied Intervention Force, which included troops from various nations. The intervention aimed to prevent war materials from falling into the hands of the Germans or the Bolsheviks and to support the White Russians in their fight against the Bolsheviks.

The Czech Legion, formed by Czech and Slovak prisoners of war, played a significant role during the Russian Civil War. Initially intended to fight against the Austrians alongside the Russians, they later seized control of the Trans-Siberian Railway to facilitate their journey to the Western Front. However, with the end of World War I, they chose to align with the White Russians against the Bolsheviks. The paragraph also discusses the various commanders of the White Russian forces and their backgrounds.

The Bolsheviks, under Trotsky's leadership, formed the Red Army, which initially relied heavily on former Tsarist officers and non-commissioned officers. The Red Army's formation and the civil war's dynamics are discussed, including the execution of the Tsar and his family. The involvement of the Czech Legion in the war, their control over the Trans-Siberian Railway, and their decision to ally with the White Russians are also covered.

The lecture concludes with a discussion on the aftermath of the Russian Civil War, the fates of various military and political figures, and the broader implications for Russia. It touches on the rise of Stalin, the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union, and the modern Russian state's efforts to come to terms with its complex history. The lecture also invites questions from the audience and expresses hope for future in-person lectures.

Major Corrigan shares his views on how the Russian Civil War is portrayed in Russian museums and educational institutions. He praises the quality of Russian museums, particularly military museums, and discusses the representation of the civil war in historical narratives, which he suggests is generally balanced. He also addresses questions about the accuracy of historical novels like Dr. Zhivago and the fate of the Czech Legion, emphasizing the complexity of historical representation and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

The final paragraph discusses the speaker's personal experiences visiting Archangel and Murmansk, including the preservation of a British tank and a British cemetery from the intervention force. It also touches on the decommissioning of nuclear reactors and the camaraderie among servicemen, even those who were once enemies. The speaker reflects on the importance of respecting the dead and the shared experiences of military personnel.

The speaker shares his insights on how the Russian Civil War is taught in Russian schools, noting that it is presented in a balanced way, though interpretations may change over time. He also discusses missed opportunities to avoid the conflict and the general anti-communist sentiment among teachers. The paragraph concludes with information about the repatriation of Czech Legion soldiers and the eventual creation of Czechoslovakia after World War I.