Fact Check: "Over 100,000 participated in one of Soviet history's largest peasant uprisings."
What We Know
The claim refers specifically to the Tambov Rebellion, which occurred between 1920 and 1922. This uprising is recognized as one of the largest and most organized peasant rebellions against the Bolshevik government during the Russian Civil War. According to Wikipedia, the rebellion began in August 1920 in the Tambov Oblast and was largely a response to the Bolshevik policy of grain requisitioning, which was met with fierce resistance from the peasant population. Estimates suggest that around 100,000 individuals were involved in the uprising, with significant casualties and arrests during the suppression of the rebellion, including approximately 15,000 killed and 100,000 arrested (source-1).
Additionally, the West Siberian Rebellion, which began in early 1921, is noted as another significant peasant uprising, with estimates of over 100,000 combatants involved (source-2). This rebellion also reflected widespread discontent among the peasantry against Bolshevik policies.
Analysis
The claim that "over 100,000 participated in one of Soviet history's largest peasant uprisings" is substantiated by multiple historical sources. The Tambov Rebellion is well-documented as a major uprising, with sources indicating that the peasant army grew from a small group to approximately 100,000 participants at its peak (source-1). The uprising was characterized by guerrilla warfare tactics against the Red Army and was a direct response to the oppressive requisitioning policies of the Bolsheviks.
The West Siberian Rebellion further supports the claim, as it is described as the largest peasant uprising against the Bolshevik state, with participation numbers also exceeding 100,000 (source-2). Both rebellions highlight the scale of peasant resistance during this tumultuous period in Soviet history.
The reliability of these sources is strong, as they are derived from established historical accounts and academic analyses. Wikipedia entries on these events are based on extensive historical research and are frequently updated to reflect new findings. Other sources, such as academic papers and historical analyses, corroborate the scale and significance of these uprisings, making them credible references for understanding the context and impact of peasant resistance in Soviet history.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "over 100,000 participated in one of Soviet history's largest peasant uprisings" is accurate. Both the Tambov Rebellion and the West Siberian Rebellion involved significant numbers of participants, with estimates of over 100,000 in both cases. The historical context and the documented evidence from reliable sources affirm the validity of this claim.
