Lenin, Trotsky, Germany and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk The ...

IntroductionThis book is devoted to the history of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed onMarch 3, 1918 by the Soviet government and the Central Powers 1 . In all of Sovietforeign policy, there was probably no agreement more fragile than this one: lastingfor slightly more than nine months, the Brest-Litovsk treaty was annulled bythe German and Soviet governments, and subsequently, following Germany’scapitulation in World War I, also repealed by the 116th article of the Treaty ofVersailles. Nonchalantly characterized as a “respite” by Vladimir Lenin, the agreementmet with criticism and resistance from an overwhelming majority of revolutionaries,on the one hand, and of Russian patriots, on the other. The former claimedthat the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a stab in the back of the German revolution.The latter called it a betrayal of Russia and its allies. Both were, in their own way,correct. However, for reasons that no one could fathom, Lenin insisted on theTreaty of Brest-Litovsk and finally saw it ratified.The evolution of Lenin’s views after he came to power in November 1917*, andthe aims that Lenin set for himself before and after the takeover, are crucial issuesfor the study of the history of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk – and crucial issues, aswell, for the history of the world revolution. It would be a mistake to believe thatLenin’s views changed with changing circumstances. It would be more correct tosuppose that in any situation he found the best means of achieving his goals. Theclaim can be made that Lenin’s whole adult life was devoted to struggle – andbeginning around 1903, to a struggle for power. It would be difficult to say whetherhe needed power in order to secure victory for the revolution or whether therevolution was for him a means to obtain power.Since until 1917 Germany appeared to be the leader of the revolutionary movement—itsSocial Democratic Party was the most powerful in the world – a worldrevolution naturally presupposed a revolution in Germany. The revolution did——————————————————* Until February 1, 1918, Russia was on the Julian calendar, which differed by 13days from the Gregorian calendar used in Western Europe. Thus, the Bolshevikcoup, which took place on October 25 according to the Russian calendar, happenedon November 7 according to the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, in Russiathe Bolshevik Revolution is called the October Revolution, while in WesternEurope it is known as the November Revolution. On January 26, 1918, the Sovietgovernment officially announced a transition to the Gregorian calendar, and February1 in the Old Style became February 14 in the New Style. Trying to minimizethe confusion that inevitably arises when Russian historical dates prior toFebruary 1 (14), 1918 are mentioned, historians in Russia often gave both datesor specified whether a date was given in the Old Style (O.S.) or the New Style(N.S.). In the present publication, all dates are given in the New Style, accordingto the Gregorian calendar.5