Bolshevik Opposition Essay

569 Words3 Pages
Why did the Bolsheviks face so much opposition between 1918 and 1924? Summary of overall line of argument: There were many reasons for opposition to Bolshevism, for example their attempt to destroy the bourgeoisie, War Communism, civil war, grain seizures and their attitudes towards religion. However, it is my opinion that war and its related issues were the prominent cause for opposition. Paragraph 1: Intro Content/Examples: Bourgeoisie, Peasants, Civil war and War communism, Religion, Cheka – war related issues most important Opening/Closing Sentences: The Bolsheviks faced a great deal of opposition in their rule between 1918 and 1924. Therefore, I am of the opinion that matters involving war were the greatest contributing factors to Bolshevik opposition. Paragraph 2: Peasants Content/Examples: Grain seizures – peasants kept grain due to famine, so grain was taken and distributed to the cities and the military – formation of green armies and general resentment Opening/Closing Sentences: The slogan ‘Peace, Land and Bread’ was perhaps the single most important drawing factor for the peasants to the Bolshevik regime. Thus the peasants were largely dissatisfied, but the grain hoarding only came about as a result of war communism. Paragraph 3: Civil War and War Communism Content/Examples: War communism eradicates policy of peace land and bread – civil war fought to secure the revolution. War communism creates vast resentment and mass famine but sole aim is winning the war, Trotsky’s influence in the military Opening/Closing Sentences: War communism was a harsh policy adopted to ensure the Bolsheviks could grind out a result in the civil war. War communism led on to many other factors that caused opposition, hence I believe it to be the single most important factor. Paragraph 4: Bourgeoisie and Religion Content/Examples: Natural enemies of the
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