OCTOBER REVOLUTION: HOW IT WAS

Abstract

The author of proposed article set himself task of examining socio-economic problems during establishment of Soviet power, negative consequences of certain political events, overly radical decisions of political leaders of that period, which are making themselves felt at present time. The author pays special attention to famine and economic devastation unfolding in country, which has become one of main factors in beginning of revolution. It was hunger, for most part, that spurred various sections of population on robberies and robberies. The article also raises theme of tense relations of Soviet power and Cossacks in first years after October Revolution and Civil War. Despite already established stereotype of the counter-revolutionary essence of Cossacks, researcher tries to argue with it, backing up his position with archival materials confirming that it was Soviet government that provoked directly or indirectly Cossacks to counter-revolutionary actions. The author of article draws attention to fact that decisions and actions of Bolsheviks towards Cossacks were sometimes unacceptably cruel and inhuman, and had a direct character of genocide. As a result number of Cossacks was reduced more than 5 times. All these facts heavily influenced history and culture of Cossacks and required many years of revival and restoration.