The Russian Civil War

Book Review

by Old Duffer

Evan Maudsley reprinted by Birlinn

This is an excellent beginner's account of the RCW. Not only does it clearly describe the narrative but it also periodically interrupts it with thematic chapters. As White forces surge forward despite being massively outnumbered one finds out about the political and organisational differences that might explain this. The disjointed effect of the various White campaigns is noted but explained by the lack of communication between the White leaders on the basis of distance not stupidity. Here was a classic war between different systems. The Whites lacked much political sense and were devoted to elements of old society that made it hard for them to generate support. The Soviets prey to ridiculous fears and fads but benefiting from being in the centre with a coherent (if nutty) philosophy. At any stage when one was tempted to see the whole struggle as foredoomed something atypical will happen - Yudenitch's drive on St Petersburg with a tiny army still requires large Red forces to be despatched. What might have happened if Pilsuski had move earlier or Kolchak moves later? Might even the barren White policies have achieved momentum? The book is excellent at conveying the sheer distance of the campaign and its sweeping nature.

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