The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk 1918
Russia Exits the First World War
As the Bolsheviks took power in Russian cities, the First World War for them was a military disaster and it was decided to surrender as soon as possible
Russia in the First World War
Russia’s poor performance in the First World War, the massive loss of life and effects on the economy all contributed significantly to the Bolshevik revolution. Military morale as well as supplies was at an all time low. As Tsar Nicholas II was in charge of the armed forces, their failures were blamed on him; his decision to abdicate was welcomed by many.
The Bolshevik Revolution Fails to Spread in Europe
As Lenin and the Bolsheviks began to consolidate their power in other parts of Russia, it was expected that the rest of Europe would follow suit and bring an end to the First World War. Despite Lenin’s belief the proletariat did not rise up against their capitalist masters and overthrow the government. By early 1918 Lenin decided it was time to negotiate peace.
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk is Signed
On March 3rd 1918, the terms of the treaty were agreed and it was finally signed in the Polish fortress town of Brest-Litovsk. The terms of the treaty signified how desperate Lenin was for Russia to relinquish its role in the war. Russia lost Poland, the Baltics, Georgia and the Ukraine to German control. The loss of this land accounted for a quarter of its population, a third of arable land, a third of its industry and three quarters of coal and iron reserves.
The Effects of the Peace Treaty
For the Bolsheviks the treaty was a disaster economically, although it got them out of a war that they seemed to have no chance of winning; and the Bolsheviks had promised peace. However this peace was short-lived and in 1918 civil war broke out in Russia, lasting until 1921. Some of those on the side of the Whites, fighting against Bolshevism were former members of the Imperial army who viewed the signing of the treaty as a huge betrayal. The treaty was also a worry for Russia’s allies in the First World War, as it freed up a large number of German troops and resources for deployment to the Western Front.
The End of the Russian Civil War
In the end the Bolsheviks won the civil war, and reclaimed all the territory lost in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, thus bringing an end to the brief independence these countries had enjoyed. Therefore the harsh terms of the treaty no longer mattered; the First World War was over and Russia’s allies were victorious, the civil war was over and the Bolsheviks had won, and they now had control of the territories of Imperial Russia and would do for another 80 years.
Sources:
Morris, T and Murphy, D. Europe 1870-1991. London: Collins Educational, 2000.
Roshwald, A. Ethnic nationalism and the fall of empires: central Europe, Russia and the Middle East. London: Routledge, 2001.
Brest Treaty
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