Red Army soldiers man the artillery ... in 1918-20 Reds often apprehended their Tsarist White enemies by examining their hands. Soft hands meant 'burzhui' and were shot on the spot at checkpoints.

A brilliant organiser and improviser, Trotsky created the Red Army out of the Red Guards and ... In contrast they warned that the White Armies and their leaders would destroy all the achievements ...

They claimed that the White generals were attempting to defeat ... The cities provided fresh recruitment for the Red Army. Much of Russia's industry and raw materials was located in this area.