America's Secret War against Bolshevism

U.S. Intervention in the Russian Civil War, 1917-1920

By David S. Foglesong | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

From the Russian revolutions of 1917 to the end of the Civil War in 1920, Woodrow Wilson’s administration sought to oppose the Bolsheviks in a variety of covert ways. Drawing on previously unavailable American and Russian archival material, David Foglesong chronicles both sides of this secret war and reveals a new dimension to the first years of the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. Foglesong explores the evolution of Wilson’s ambivalent attitudes toward socialism and revolution before 1917 and analyzes the social and cultural origins of American anti-Bolshevism. Constrained by his espousal of the principle of self-determination, by idealistic public sentiment, and by congressional restrictions, Wilson had to rely on secretive methods to affect the course of the Russian Civil War. The administration provided covert financial and military aid to anti-Bolshevik forces, established clandestine spy networks, concealed the purposes of limited military expeditions to northern Russia and Siberia, and delivered ostensibly humanitarian assistance to soldiers fighting to overthrow the Soviet government. In turn, the Soviets developed and secretly funded a propaganda campaign in the United States designed to mobilize public opposition to anti-Bolshevik activity, promote American-Soviet economic ties, and win diplomatic recognition from Washington.

Editions of America's Secret War against Bolshevism

Hardcover
ISBN 9780807822289
Paperback
ISBN 9780807849583
EBook
ISBN 9781469611136
PDF
ISBN 9798890869319

Read an Excerpt

From the Russian revolutions of 1917 to the end of the Civil War in 1920, Woodrow Wilson’s administration sought to oppose the Bolsheviks in a variety of covert ways. Drawing on previously unavailable American and Russian archival material, David Foglesong chronicles both sides of this secret war and reveals a new dimension to the first years of the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. Foglesong explores the evolution of Wilson’s ambivalent attitudes toward socialism and revolution before 1917 and analyzes the social and cultural origins of American anti-Bolshevism. Constrained by his espousal of the principle of self-determination, by idealistic public sentiment, and by congressional restrictions, Wilson had to rely on secretive methods to affect the course of the Russian Civil War. The administration provided covert financial and military aid to anti-Bolshevik forces, established clandestine spy networks, concealed the purposes of limited military expeditions to northern Russia and Siberia, and delivered ostensibly humanitarian assistance to soldiers fighting to overthrow the Soviet government. In turn, the Soviets developed and secretly funded a propaganda campaign in the United States designed to mobilize public opposition to anti-Bolshevik activity, promote American-Soviet economic ties, and win diplomatic recognition from Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is America's Secret War against Bolshevism about?

From the Russian revolutions of 1917 to the end of the Civil War in 1920, Woodrow Wilson’s administration sought to oppose the Bolsheviks in a variety of covert ways. Drawing on previously unavailable American and Russian archival material, David Foglesong chronicles both sides of this secret war and reveals a new dimension to the first years of the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. Foglesong explores the evolution of Wilson’s ambivalent attitudes toward socialism and revolution before 1917 and analyzes the social and cultural origins of American anti-Bolshevism. Constrained by his espousal of the principle of self-determination, by idealistic public sentiment, and by congressional restrictions, Wilson had to rely on secretive methods to affect the course of the Russian Civil War. The administration provided covert financial and military aid to anti-Bolshevik forces, established clandestine spy networks, concealed the purposes of limited military expeditions to northern Russia and Siberia, and delivered ostensibly humanitarian assistance to soldiers fighting to overthrow the Soviet government. In turn, the Soviets developed and secretly funded a propaganda campaign in the United States designed to mobilize public opposition to anti-Bolshevik activity, promote American-Soviet economic ties, and win diplomatic recognition from Washington.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in America's Secret War against Bolshevism?

Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > International relations

Where can I read a sample of America's Secret War against Bolshevism?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807822289

How long is America's Secret War against Bolshevism and how many pages does it have?

America's Secret War against Bolshevism has 400 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book America's Secret War against Bolshevism?

David S. Foglesong

Who is the Publisher of the book America's Secret War against Bolshevism?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

America's Secret War against Bolshevism is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807822289) and paperback(ISBN 9780807849583) and ebook(ISBN 9781469611136) and pdf(ISBN 9798890869319)

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