Lenin In – Russia Out (of the Great War)

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Of primary importance to Lenin was to find an end to the war. He understood the need to consolidate his power inside of Russia, but could not do so with the threat of the German Army advancing. Lenin was prepared to seek peace at any cost with the Germans so that the revolution could continue. The Bolsheviks were prepared to give anything to the Germans because they believed in Marx’s theory about revolution. If a revolution occurs in one country, it will quickly spread to others. Thus, they believed that Germany was next to have the workers rise up and seize control. Lenin believed that Imperial Germany would not last long, so gave to the German demands.

On 3 March 1917 Russia and Germany signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Contained in the harsh treaty (some historians state that this treaty was worse that the Treaty of Versailles) was the demand that Russia give up Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Ukraine and the Transcaucasia. These areas were to be occupied by German troops and supply Germany with much needed supplies (the treaty was never enforced because Germany lost the war and the Allies did not give Germany any territories).

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