I think Trotsky assured the Bolsheviks of a victory in the civil war. This is because Trotsky was an efficient leader who provided inspirational leadership to the Red Guards. He led the troops efficiently using his special armoured train, moving from one front to another quickly. He gave the troops encouragement when needed. He introduced conscription. Men aged 14-40 were made to join the army. This greatly expanded the army, which grew to 5 million men …showed first 75 words of 271 total…

…showed last 75 words of 271 total…Russia out of WWI. This allowed the Bolsheviks to concentrate on fighting one war. Support from the people cannot be ignored too. The people of Russia knew that if the whites won the civil war and restored monarchy, the land reforms would reverse. The peasants would no longer be able to own land. Also, the Reds portrayed themselves to be patriotic defenders of Russia, since they were fighting against the whites, who had foreign aid.