Foreign relations and attitudes of foreign powers: foreign intervention in the Civil War; Comintern; the Russo-Polish War; discussions leading to the Rapallo Treaty; official recognition and the repercussions of the 'Zinoviev letter'; Lenin's rule by 1924
Western countries feared and distrusted Bolshevik Russia. Between 1918 and 1924, Lenin's government lurched between open conflict with foreign powers and cautious attempts to win their recognition.
Real World
The 1924 'Zinoviev Letter' — a forged document linking Labour to a Bolshevik uprising — was published four days before the British general election, directly contributing to Labour's defeat and denying the USSR its first formal British recognition.
Exam Focus
For foreign relations questions, show awareness of both Soviet intentions and foreign perceptions — one-sided answers rarely reach the top mark bands.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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