The Russian Civil War (1918-1922) was a complex and multifaceted conflict that involved various political factions, including the Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, Socialist Revolutionaries, and monarchist forces. The power struggle between these factions was a defining feature of the war, as each side sought to establish control over the newly formed Soviet state.

Bolsheviks:

The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, were the dominant force in the Russian Revolution. They had seized power in October 1917 and established the Soviet government. The Bolsheviks believed that the revolution was a necessary step towards a socialist society and that they were the only party capable of leading the working class to victory.

Mensheviks:

The Mensheviks were a socialist party that had split from the Bolsheviks in 1912. They believed that the revolution was not yet ripe for socialism and that a more gradual approach was needed. The Mensheviks were opposed to the Bolsheviks’ seizure of power and instead advocated for a democratic government.

Socialist Revolutionaries:

The Socialist Revolutionaries (SRs) were a peasant-based party that had also split from the Bolsheviks. They believed that the revolution should be led by peasants and workers, rather than intellectuals like Lenin. The SRs were initially allies of the Bolsheviks but soon turned against them, fearing that their revolution would be hijacked by the Bolsheviks.

Monarchist Forces:

The monarchist forces, led by Tsar Nicholas II’s son, Alexei, and his brother, Mikhail, were opposed to the revolution and sought to restore the Romanov dynasty. These forces were largely made up of former Tsarist army officers and aristocrats.

Power Struggle:

The power struggle between these factions began shortly after the October Revolution. The Bolsheviks faced opposition from various quarters, including:

1. February-March 1918: The Mensheviks and SRs led a rebellion against the Bolsheviks in Petrograd, which was eventually crushed.
2. April-June 1918: The Bolsheviks faced opposition from former Tsarist officers who had organized themselves into the “White Army” (also known as the “Whites”). The Whites received support from foreign powers, including Britain, France, and Japan.
3. Summer 1918: The SRs launched a series of uprisings in rural areas, known as the “Peasant Revolt,” which was eventually put down by the Bolsheviks.
4. November 1918: The Whites launched a major offensive against the Reds (Bolsheviks) in Siberia, which was eventually defeated.
5. 1920: The Polish-Soviet War broke out, with Poland seeking to annex Western Ukraine and Belarus. The war ended with Poland’s defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Riga.