The Kronstadt Rising Flashcards

What was the Kronstadt Rising and when did it happen?

A revolt by sailors and soldiers at the Kronstadt naval base against the Bolshevik government in March 1921.

Where was Kronstadt and why was it important?

On Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland, guarding Petrograd. Its sailors had helped the Bolsheviks in 1917, so a revolt there was serious.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

What problems under War Communism helped cause the rising?

Food shortages, harsh factory rules, grain requisitioning from peasants, and a lack of free speech and elections angered workers and sailors.

What event in Petrograd in early 1921 sparked the sailors to act?

Strikes and protests over bread ration cuts and poor conditions in Petrograd pushed the sailors to act.

What was the Petropavlovsk resolution?

On 1 March 1921, Kronstadt sailors set out demands: free elections to soviets, freedom of speech and press for workers, an end to grain requisitioning, and release of political prisoners.

What slogan summed up the rebels’ aim?

“Soviets without Bolsheviks” – they wanted freely elected soviets, not one-party rule.

Who crushed the Kronstadt Rising and how?

The Red Army under Trotsky attacked across the frozen sea, led by General Tukhachevsky. They seized the base by force.

When did the Red Army retake Kronstadt and what happened to the rebels?

By 18 March 1921 the fortress fell. Thousands were killed or jailed, and many fled across the ice to Finland.

Why did the rising alarm Lenin and the Bolsheviks?

Kronstadt sailors had backed them in 1917. Their revolt showed even workers and sailors were unhappy with Bolshevik rule.

How did the rising influence economic policy?

It helped push Lenin to end War Communism and launch the New Economic Policy (NEP) at the 10th Party Congress in March 1921.

What party rule was brought in at the same time to prevent dissent?

The Bolsheviks banned factions inside the Communist Party to stop organised opposition.

Why is the Kronstadt Rising important in Russian history?

It showed deep discontent, forced a shift to the NEP, and proved the regime would use force even against former allies.

You’ve used 7 of your 10 free revision notes for the month

Sign up to get unlimited access to revision notes, quizzes, audio lessons and more

Sign up