The Red Terror

What was the Red Terror?

The Red Terror was the Bolshevik-led repression of their opposition during the Russian Civil War.

When did the Red Terror in Russia happen?

The Red Terror officially lasted from September 1918 to 1920.

Who carried out the Red Terror?

The Red Terror was implemented by the Cheka, the Bolshevik secret police force, led by Felix Dzerzhinsky.

Why was the Red Terror carried out?

There were 2 main reasons why the Red Terror happened:

• ❖ On 30th August 1918, Fanya Kaplan, a Socialist Revolutionary, attempted to assassinate Lenin because he shut down the Constituent Assembly in January 1918.
• ❖ There was an attempted rebellion by the Socialist Revolutionaries in Moscow in July 1918.

What happened during the Red Terror?

The Red Terror involved 4 key events:

• ❖ Identifying, rounding up and arresting anyone suspected of 'counter-revolutionary' activities. In other words, anyone who was a threat to the Bolshevik Party.
• ❖ The existing law courts were replaced by Revolutionary Tribunals. Officially, these were established to help the struggle against counter-revolutionary forces and defend the revolution.
• ❖ It is estimated that between 200,000 and 400,000 people died because of the Red Terror between 1918 and 1920.
• ❖ The party could force anyone to do hard labour and could execute anyone who resisted.

How did the Red Terror help the Bolsheviks win the Civil War?

The Red Terror helped the Bolsheviks win the civil war in 4 main ways:

• ❖ It led to the execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family which removed the threat of the monarchy being restored to power.
• ❖ It removed many who opposed the Bolsheviks and therefore weakened the opposition as a whole.
• ❖ It created fear and terror, which discouraged opposition.
• ❖ It was used to force the peasants to hand over grain during requisitioning, which ensured the Red Army was fed.

How many died during the Red Terror in Russia?

It's estimated that between 200,000 and 400,000 people were executed during the Red Terror between 1918 and 1920. Prison camps were also established on the Solovetsky Islands.