Which of the following explains why some people use 1918 as the starting date of the Russian Civil War?
The use of 1918 as the starting date of the Russian Civil War can be explained by several factors:
1. The October Revolution: The revolution that took place in October 1917 (according to the Julian calendar, which was in use in Russia at the time) led to the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of the Bolshevik government. This was a significant turning point that set the stage for the subsequent conflict.
2. The official establishment of the Red Army: In January 1918, the Bolshevik government formed the Red Army as a separate military force. This marked a clear distinction between the Red (Bolshevik) forces and other anti-Bolshevik factions, and is often seen as the official beginning of the Civil War.
3. Opposition to Bolshevik rule: The aftermath of the October Revolution saw the emergence of various anti-Bolshevik groups, such as pro-monarchists, anti-communists, and nationalist factions. These groups actively sought to overthrow the Bolshevik government, leading to armed clashes and increasing violence throughout the country.
4. Fragmentation and conflict: The period between late 1917 and early 1918 witnessed the dissolution of the Russian Provisional Government, as well as the emergence of multiple power centers and self-proclaimed governments. This fragmentation and the subsequent power struggle between different factions contributed to the outbreak of an all-out civil war.
Considering these factors, the year 1918 is often used to mark the beginning of the Russian Civil War, as it was during this time that the opposing factions actively engaged in armed conflict, leading to a protracted and brutal civil war that lasted until 1922.