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💣european history – 1890 to 1945 review

key term - Decree on Peace

Citation:

Definition

The Decree on Peace was a pivotal document issued by the Bolshevik government in 1917, calling for an immediate armistice and negotiations to end World War I. It marked a significant shift in Russian policy, emphasizing the need for peace without annexations or reparations, appealing to war-weary soldiers and civilians alike. This decree was part of Lenin's broader strategy to consolidate power and support the Bolshevik Revolution by addressing the pressing demands of the population for peace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Decree on Peace was issued shortly after the Bolsheviks seized power in October 1917, reflecting their commitment to addressing the grievances of soldiers and workers.
  2. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and aimed to initiate peace negotiations based on principles of self-determination and no annexations.
  3. The decree significantly resonated with soldiers at the front, many of whom were exhausted and disillusioned with the ongoing war, boosting Bolshevik support.
  4. The Decree on Peace set the stage for subsequent negotiations that ultimately led to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which ceded significant territory from Russia to Germany.
  5. By promoting peace as a central tenet of their platform, the Bolsheviks effectively gained popular support and legitimized their rule during a time of chaos and uncertainty.

Review Questions

  • How did the Decree on Peace impact the Bolsheviks' popularity among soldiers and civilians during the early stages of their rule?
    • The Decree on Peace significantly enhanced the Bolsheviks' popularity by addressing the urgent desire for an end to World War I among soldiers and civilians. It promised an immediate armistice, which resonated with war-weary individuals tired of prolonged conflict. This appeal for peace was instrumental in garnering support from various factions within Russian society who were eager for a resolution to the war, thus solidifying the Bolsheviks' position in power.
  • Evaluate the significance of the Decree on Peace in relation to Lenin's overall strategy for consolidating power after the Bolshevik Revolution.
    • The Decree on Peace was crucial for Lenin's strategy as it directly addressed one of the main grievances that fueled dissatisfaction with previous governments: the continuation of World War I. By promising peace without annexations or reparations, Lenin positioned the Bolsheviks as champions of popular sentiment. This act not only helped secure domestic support but also distinguished them from other political entities that continued to engage in war efforts, ultimately facilitating their consolidation of power and stability within Russia.
  • Analyze how the Decree on Peace set the stage for subsequent international relations for Soviet Russia after 1917, particularly concerning World War I.
    • The Decree on Peace fundamentally altered Soviet Russia's international relations by formally signaling its withdrawal from World War I. By calling for an armistice and initiating negotiations, it shifted focus away from military engagements towards diplomatic resolutions. The subsequent Treaty of Brest-Litovsk not only ended hostilities but also illustrated how revolutionary ideals could clash with geopolitical realities, as Russia had to cede vast territories. This decision had lasting implications for Soviet foreign policy, shaping its interactions with both Western powers and neighboring nations throughout its early years.