1918: Germans Rout Reds

Abstract

Soviet policy after revolution was led by the expectation that other nations would shake off the capitalists who were exploiting them, and join Russia in a peaceful Socialist world. As the Russian army streamed back from the front the Bolsheviks were forced to accept the humiliating terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which they eventually signed on 3 March 1918. However, the Germans had by far the most powerful force in Russia, and soon showed they would serve their own interests without any nicety of scruple. The following General Order comes from the period after 18 February, when the Communist government was still trying to gain time by refusing to sign the Treaty.