Fact Check: "Over 100,000 participated in one of the largest peasant uprisings in Soviet history."
What We Know
The Tambov Rebellion, which occurred from 1920 to 1922, is recognized as one of the largest and most organized peasant uprisings against the Bolshevik government during the Russian Civil War. The rebellion took place in the Tambov and Voronezh Oblasts, located less than 500 kilometers southeast of Moscow. It began in August 1920, primarily as a response to the Bolshevik policy of forced grain requisitioning, which was part of the broader strategy of war communism (Wikipedia).
The uprising was led by Alexander Antonov, a former member of the Socialist Revolutionary Party, and it escalated into a guerrilla war against the Red Army and Soviet authorities. Estimates suggest that around 100,000 people were involved in the uprising, with significant casualties on both sides; approximately 15,000 were killed during the suppression of the rebellion (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that "over 100,000 participated in one of the largest peasant uprisings in Soviet history" is supported by multiple reliable sources. The Tambov Rebellion is frequently cited in historical accounts as a significant event during the Russian Civil War, characterized by its scale and organization. According to a detailed analysis on the rebellion, it is noted that the uprising was not only extensive in terms of participation but also well-coordinated, with the insurgents forming a political organization known as the Union of Working Peasants (source-1).
Moreover, the Peasant Revolt source corroborates the scale of the uprising, indicating that the rebellion was a culmination of long-standing grievances against Bolshevik policies, particularly the violent requisitioning of grain (source-3). The uprising's characterization as one of the largest peasant revolts is further supported by historical analyses that highlight the widespread participation and the significant number of insurgents involved (source-6).
While the sources used are generally reliable, it is important to note that historical narratives can be influenced by the political context in which they are written. The portrayal of the rebellion as a significant peasant uprising is consistent across multiple historical accounts, which lends credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that "over 100,000 participated in one of the largest peasant uprisings in Soviet history" is accurate. The evidence from multiple historical sources confirms the scale of participation and the significance of the Tambov Rebellion as a major event in the context of the Russian Civil War.
