Propaganda

• The Bolsheviks organised a highly effective propaganda campaign in the areas they controlled.

  Agitprop (agitation propaganda) was used to encourage soldiers.

  Trotsky’s train was fitted with equipment to produce posters and leaflets.

  This and other trains contained cinemas where propaganda films were shown.

  Speeches, newspapers and leaflets continually told the people that, through the soviets, they were in charge of Russia
• Propaganda told the people that living conditions would improve and wealthy would be distributed fairly.

  In contrast they warned that white Armies and the leaders would destroy what the Revolution did, break up the Soviets and bring back the old system.
• The Bolsheviks portrayed themselves as a patriotic party who would defend Russia from imperialists.


  Particularly effective as the Whites had support from Britain, France and the USA.
• The Bolsheviks spread the fear that Russia would be taken over by foreign powers and absorbed into their empires.