Which of the following explains how the Russian Revolution affected Russia’s involvement in the war?
The Russian Revolution, which occurred in 1917, ultimately led to the collapse of the Russian monarchy and the rise of the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin. This dramatic shift in power had significant impacts on Russia’s involvement in World War I.
1. Withdrawal from the War: The Bolshevik government, after coming to power, signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918, effectively ending Russia’s involvement in World War I. The terms of the treaty were harsh for Russia, as they had to cede large amounts of territory to the Central Powers, but the Bolsheviks prioritized consolidating their power at home and ending Russian participation in the war.
2. Creation of Civil War: The Russian Revolution also sparked a civil war within Russia between the Bolshevik Red Army and various anti-Bolshevik White factions. This internal conflict further weakened Russia’s ability to continue fighting in World War I and distracted resources and attention away from the war effort.
3. Impact on Allies: The withdrawal of Russia from the war had significant consequences for the Allies, as they lost a key Eastern front against the Central Powers. This shift in the balance of power on the Eastern Front allowed the Central Powers to focus more resources on the Western Front, potentially prolonging the war.
In conclusion, the Russian Revolution significantly affected Russia’s involvement in World War I, leading to their withdrawal from the conflict, internal civil war, and ultimately changing the dynamics of the broader war effort.