World War I Aftermath and the Foundations of Soviet Power
The Aftermath of World War I (1914-1918)
World War I was extremely cruel. Soldiers spent months suffering in the trenches, covered in mud, under constant bombardment, and enduring extremely poor health and hygiene. The consequences of these events were profound.
Human Cost and Casualties
There died more than 8 million people and 9 million others were injured, many of whom were severely mutilated for life. Specific losses included:
- 1,800,000 Germans
- 1,700,000 Russians
- 1,400,000 French
The Shift to a War Economy
As hostilities continued, economic warfare became as important as military action. States intensified intervention in the economy to secure supplies for the population and the troops. A war economy was established:
- The freedom of production and trade was suspended.
- State decisions dictated production, overriding companies or citizens.
Social Changes: Women in the Workforce
One of the indirect effects was the massive incorporation of women into the workplace. As the men were at the front, women took over the work in factories and fields.
The Role of Propaganda
Another conflict element was propaganda, which sought to maintain the morale of the population and combatants by exaggerating successes or minimizing inconvenient information coming from the front.
Technological Advancements and Trench Warfare
Trench warfare favored the emergence of new weapons: mortars, flamethrowers, and toxic gases. However, the high cost in infantry lives drove the design of armored vehicles (tanks) that could cover infantry actions, cross barbed wire fences, and destroy machine gun nests.
The Russian Revolutions
The Revolution of 1905
In the revolution of 1905, popular masses went to St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace, the residence of the Tsar, to present their complaints and demands. The response they received was a very violent repression, which killed many people (known as Bloody Sunday).
The Revolution of 1917
The revolution of 1917 began with a manifestation in Petrograd on February 23rd. The central themes were “Peace and Bread.” General strikes and riots followed. Crucially, this time, the soldiers (many of whom were young recruits, unlike previous forces) refused to shoot against the strikers.
Subsequently, a Provisional Government was formed, where Kerensky was the most prominent figure. The Tsar abdicated.
Soviets (councils) were formed among soldiers, workers, and peasants, who even established their own militia (the Red Guard). The Bolsheviks within the Soviets were inclined towards leaving the war, believing that this would significantly improve the living conditions of the workers.
The Rise of the Stalinist Dictatorship
Lenin died in 1924. The leadership of the Party and the state was exercised by a reduced group of leaders, but internal struggles and clashes continued due to very different ideological views. Stalin, who had been appointed Secretary General of the CPSU in 1922, gradually imposed himself.
In 1929, Stalin monopolized all powers and established a personal dictatorship. To ensure this enormous power, he utilized three main methods:
The Personality Cult
Through propaganda, Stalin’s image was exalted as a “great benefactor” and “father of the people.”
Strengthening the Power of the Communist Party (CPSU)
To participate in political life through the Soviets, one had to belong to the CPSU, as the Soviets eventually ceased to be free and popular assemblies.
Political Repression
This was the method used to silence any voice of opposition. The instrument used to carry out repression was the NKVD (political police), but a large part of the population also collaborated.