Czech-Slovak corps in the summer of 1918

Abstract

Importance. An interest in the history of the Civil War in Russia, in which there are many “white spots” is presented. These include the participation of the Czech-Slovak corps in the foreign intervention in Russia and the nature of its relations with the anti-Bolshevik forces. In the summer of 1918, the Czech-Slovak corps, waging an active struggle against the Soviet government, seized control of the Trans-Siberian railway. The numerical superiority over the local Bolshevik forces, the best training, preparation, suddenness of the advance, as well as the enthusiasm of the legionnaires allowed them to take over a number of large cities in the Volga region, the Urals, Siberia and the Far East in a short period of time. This in turn led to the formation of local anti-Bolshevik forces – the Committee of Members of the Constituent Assembly (KOMUCH) and the Provisional Siberian Government in Omsk. Research methods. A historical and systematic method was used to identify the role of the Czech-Slovak corps in the escalation of the Civil War in Russia, taking into account the “Czech-Slovak factor” in international relations of that time. Results and Discussion. Based on a thorough analysis of documents and directives prepared by the Bolsheviks, anti-Bolshevik forces, allies in the Entente, the military and political leadership of the Czech–Slovak corps, it is shown that the corps pursued its goal – to get to Vladivostok, to achieve which the seizure of cities and the overthrow of Soviet government were carried out. At the same time, contact was established with local cells of Social Revolutionaries mainly through commerce. In addition, in relations with the allies, the corps continued to pursue its goals, helping the People’s Army of the Committee of Members of the Constituent Assembly until the moment when it ceased to meet its interests. It is stated that the corps was involved in foreign intervention, since its successes in the struggle against Soviet government forced the Entente countries to reconsider its role in Russia. Conclusion. The Czech-Slovak corps not only initiated the “sharp” stage of the Civil War in Russia, but also became a catalyst for a number of processes both in Russia and in the world that led to further escalation of the conflict.