They say that history repeats itself. That's about it. Mutiny in the spring, the catastrophe in the summer. Betrayal of staff, poor logistics, the instability forces. Russian Imperials, officers, Chechens, the don and Kuban Cossacks in the Ukraine. Ukrainian volunteers, anything from organizing resistance. Battle for Volnovaha, Berdyansk, Mariupol, due to the frequent congresses and elections.
It looks like the South-East of Ukraine today, but the events take place in 1919. This is a story that ought to know everything, especially the Moscow writers of the myth of “new Russia”, the myth of native Russian lands and Empire in the Northern black sea coast. They should remember that ignorance of history is no excuse. Because in 1919, in particular in the South-East of Ukraine was buried the first attempt to restore the Empire, there was first buried the idea of the “Russian world”, which is like a vampire from time to time crawls from the grave. And did it themselves local people - Ukrainians, Russians, Greeks, Jews, Tatars. They were called Makhno. In the story they came as Revolutionary Insurgent army of the Ukraine (Makhno) or CAU (e).
Much has been said about the military aspects of the Makhno movement. But rarely mentioned that the main weapon of Makhno, after all, was the word. In the beginning was the word, as the Bible says. Makhno symbols, as such, no, no stars, no swastikas, no crosses. Even Adam's head, Jolly Roger, skull and crossed bones, not too Makhno. There is just a flag black as the school Board on it, like chalk, written “With the oppressed against the oppressors - always!”
But human nature requires symbols, characters. And attribute Makhno became a machine-gun Tachanka, all four wheels. By the way, listening to the original version of the famous song “Tachanka”, it is difficult to avoid the impression that, if you replace one word “Budenovskoye” on “Makhno”, then everything will fall into place.
Honestly, this Makhno, like all other historical figures, including the legendary Chapaev, at the first opportunity he was seated in the car. The choice of carts as a primary means of transportation for guerrilla army was forced by the circumstances. Makhno nothing invented.
The Tachanka was used as a mobile machine gun installation during the Anglo-Boer war in the early 20th century. As soon as a relatively compact compared to the bulky “Gatling”gun “Maxim”, Cecil Rhodes loaded it on a cart and went into the depths of Africa to conquer their country. South African descendants of Dutch settlers, the Boers, the first held modern guerrilla campaign against the British, instead of positional tactics of the regular army mobility of wagons. The only way to defeat such tactics was to deprive the guerrillas of the people's support and demoralization of the enemy. Wives, children, and servants of the Boers were driven into concentration camps, and the resistance was broken. After 20 years, this method will be used against Makhno and the red command. The Boer war was incredibly popular in Russia. The song “there is my country” knew and sang.
But the main factor in the popularity of wagons for Makhno were German colony, main producers of spring crews. For transportation of heavy machine guns was important that their details not diverged from shaking. Perfect for this came armored cars. But massively in that time you could only get the carts, and only in the South of Ukraine. Carts are also allowed to transport infantry that did Makhno much more superior, but slow enemy forces. Although it is worth noting that even Makhno carts began to play a significant role only in 1920 with the transition to guerrilla tactics. In 1919, the same year, which will be discussed, Makhno's men were the 3rd brigade of the 2nd red army and kept long from front of Yuzovka (Donetsk to Mariupol, about the separation line current ATO.
By the spring of 1919, Makhno, as well as many commanders Directory go into an Alliance with the red Army. Not to be distracted from our story, let's just say the head of the UPR Directory Symon Petliura was the direct predecessor of President Yushchenko. As Viktor Andreyevich, Simon V., with his friends managed to turn the inevitable victory in a heavy defeat. Strangely enough, but only the defeat of the poles of the West Ukrainian people's Republic, after which it quite impressive army was forced to withdraw in Central Ukraine, has enabled Directory to hold out another year. It seems no accident that in our days not often you see a torchlight procession in Kiev with portraits of Petliura.
Maidan 2014 to coincide with the 95th anniversary of operation Novorossia 1.0”. In the winter of 1919, the Armed forces of South Russia (SUR), called in common white led offensive in the Donbass and the coast of the Azov sea, with the aim to reunite the historic Russian lands. Well, the Ukrainian coal with grain they also do not interfere. Justify the invasion were quite familiar: Ukraine - fictional country, grandfathers fought, all of this is Russia, protect our brothers from rampant illegitimate junta (Bolshevik, Ukrainian, Makhno - underline)! That's about it. I have to say, Russian officers of the Volunteer army had every right to hate all these illegitimate regimes, because after the revolution for them really took not only the new authorities of any color, but their older subordinates. But walking with them to the Cossacks and Caucasians make decisions helped exclusively in Moscow. There decided that Cossacks are faithful servants of the old regime, despite the fact that, in principle, with the king of the Cossacks, mainly used as police, like “Golden Eagle”, and people basically scorched ordinary soldiers. But, just in case, have waged a pre-emptive terror on the don, the Kuban and North Caucasus. Cossacks is, of course, did not like, and a relatively small White army has grown three times.
The Bolsheviks then more bothered Siberia, where, after the dispersal of the Constituent Assembly, moved by the liberal and socialist forces, instead of immediately to fight the usurpers. But I was afraid that if you respond with violence to violence, civil war will break out, which, by the law of the genre, was not slow to begin. In Siberia liberal reformers held a rehearsal of the 1990s in Russia, starting with the struggle against the dictatorship of the Bolsheviks after the dictatorship strong-willed, young - almost said Vsbshnik, military Minister, Admiral Kolchak. That happy workers ' wives Urals, Czech and Polish Legionnaires, who were the main force of the anti-Bolshevik resistance in Siberia, along with officers Kappel and Cossacks Dutov. In early 1919 Kolchak began a General offensive. The socialist Motherland once again in jeopardy.
Therefore, given the allies in Ukraine by the Bolsheviks in the teeth was not looking, and attached them to the case. The southern Ukraine, sorry aboriginal Novorossia, defended the 2nd red army, consisting of division Dybenko, which moved to the Crimea, the division of the former UNROCA Grigorieva, acting in Taurus in the Western direction Kherson-Nikolaev-Odessa, and brigade Makhno in the East. Army it could be considered only with great reserve, because it supplies and uniforms not specifically studied. Nice to see that such glorious tradition and is not forgotten in the Ministry of defence. Parts had to deal with samosnabzheniye, which also has become a good tradition in Ukraine.
All anything, but the Soviet government would not be the Soviets, if not exercised his power. Due to the German occupation of Ukraine has avoided the initial stage of war communism. And then suddenly began to requisition. So far as Makhno was an anarcho-Communist, but he believed that communism is built on the basis of universal abundance and freedom, and not of robbery and violence.
The chieftains of Central Ukraine instantly deposited from the Bolsheviks, and at the same time and from the cities that went food, and whence came the next ration detachments. But in the South the situation was more complicated. Here there was a direct enemy - white. And conflict with red meant to be between a rock and a hard place. It should be remembered that the leaders of the Bolsheviks at that time were treated as now to Putin. Well, can't be that the leaders of the state to make such obvious nonsense and such unseemly meanness! Must be some misunderstanding. You just need to sit down together and explained, and everything will fall into place.
Meanwhile, Makhno, the Bolsheviks did not trust. Think of it as a jealousy between the brothers. Unlike all other opponents, Makhno in that moment was an image of what was supposed to lead the revolution decentralized the authority of councils and the public (as opposed to state) control over the means of production. Despite the difficult conditions of war on several fronts, Makhno in the area of elections and conventions at which relatively easily addressed issues of society and warfare. Not the European Parliament, not the U.S. Congress, of course, but compared to the Communist universal dobranski, which became another good Russian tradition, the big breakthrough in self-government. This, and feared, as now afraid of the Orange revolution and Maidan. So did all of the power structure will fall apart.
Despite all obstacles, the 2nd army was a success. Makhno's men took Berdyansk and Mariupol, for which they were to submit to the Soviet awards, as well, and Grigorieva. He took Odessa. Although, Odessa left the French and the Greeks, and there he came. According to the testimony of Bunin, Grigorieva immediately arranged a Jewish pogrom.
Oh, the pogroms, the leitmotif of the Civil war! It is written about them a lot, and this topic for a separate article. I note only one item. Quite often, when I mention the identity of the rioters to any army, do not take into account the fact that during the Civil war, soldiers often changed sides. The same Grigorieva could start in the tsarist army, then served in the national Ukrainian parts, then Haydamaky UNR, then in the army Skoropadsky, then partisant against him, then joined the Directory passed to a red rose up in rebellion, joined Makhno, went again to the Bolsheviks, then white, then in a gang, then Amnesty. History of throwing Grigory Melekhov, “and Quiet flows the Don” is quite realistic. And the fact that the same people could commit crimes under different banners. Responsibility for their actions laid on Budyonny, Denikin, Makhno, Petlyura, and so forth, based on the fact that the commanders responsible for the actions of its people. That, in principle, correct.
Grigoryev was also responsible for the pogroms and, most importantly, for mutiny. Although, it seems that the rebellion began without him. The revolt of his fighters against the domination of the Communists, but at the same time Jews and (attention!) the Russians were already underway until Grigoriev assured the commander of the Antonov-Ovseenko in his devotion to the Soviet authorities. And, perhaps, sincerely, as he continued to trust even more than Makhno. Grigoriev was faced with a choice: either to oppose the rebels, or to lead the rebellion. The chieftain was hardly rough dork cave and anti-Semite, as it drew opponents. He rose to the rank of captain of the Royal army, was successfully revolt against the occupiers, successfully commanded a division. But unlike Makhno for him was not strong, his authority was not confirmed, congresses, he had no clear ideology, and at the moment of decision he was all alone. Eventually he released the acclaimed “Universal”, in which he called for fair employment society without domination of parties and Nations, proposed a proportional system of ethnic representation in government, and took responsibility for the rebellion. Once again in the history of Ukraine fixation on national identity produced a counterproductive effect, and the forces of the red Army, the rebellion was suppressed.
In the end, losing the division Grigorieva, and without being stuck in the Crimea division Dybenko, 2nd red army consisted solely of Makhno. To provide them better than steel, but has expanded its area of responsibility. The consequences were not long in coming. Experienced white partisans, General Shkuro, forces consolidated cavalry corps, pre-empting the tank breakthroughs Guderian, struck depleted red front, and a hurricane went through the rear, carefully utuja Makhno district. Himself Shkuro noted that he helped mobilized experts red headquarters. But the red commanders blamed the rebels. Demoralized soldiers and Makhno began to take positions.
Reid Cossacks and Caucasians Shkuro shook not only the front, but thinking of his opponents. Makhno's men, who, contrary to mythology, nothing new in the military, not invented, however, were excellent students, They realized that in order to resist the enemy, the army will need the same mobility. Here in the foreground and out Tachanka, became a symbol of mahnovshina. The red Army also understood the advantage of a large horse connections. But, from beginning to manifest megalomania, there were not dwell on the buildings, and made up two horse armies.
But before that in the summer of 1919 yet. So far, from Makhno demanded a miracle. As well as the miracle did not happen, the blame, again according to the old tradition, has announced the contractor's impossible orders.
Makhno, when, how and Grigoriev, before choosing, made an unusual decision - he resigned. Thus, the front against the whites kept, and the Makhno could organize front inner. He went in connection with Grigoriev together to try to enter into another Alliance with the Directory.
The moment it was promoted. The front was falling apart, and the Red Army went North, leaving Ukraine. The resulting vacuum was filled with southern armies of Denikin. At Petliura had the opportunity to fill it from the North. Directory took this as a victory, misjudge and refused Alliance with Makhno and Grigoriev, especially on the set conditions, keeping Makhno vision of the Soviets. The leadership of the UPR can be understood. Two persecuted loser-chieftain with insignificant forces offered an equal partnership with the national government. Primecasino at the last minute Directories were useless.
The failure set and Makhno and Grigoriev in a difficult position. Leave policy then was nowhere to go. The difference was that Makhno under no circumstances could not cooperate with the white and red Grigoriev waited for the bullet. The climax came quickly. It is difficult to say whether the charges against Grigorieva in a secret agreement with white reasonable. But it is also difficult to imagine what else could he do in that situation. To go it was just nowhere. In any case, Makhno did not wait, and Grigorieva killed, most likely, with the tacit consent of his commanders.
By the end of summer, the Red Army was able to repel Kolchak from the Volga. For the dictator Admiral was less willing to fight, especially among those who started the struggle against the Bolsheviks in the name of restoring freedom. But by this time already the Forces of South Russia of General Denikin was aimed at Moscow. And the modern Russian leadership, Denikin was not able to imagine Russia without Ukraine, Poland and Estonia. And especially without Novorossia with Donbass. So instead of recognizing the independence of the countries that he did not even control, General acted like a true Russian patriot and continued to turn potential allies into bitter enemies in the name of vague ideas that are difficult to understand for foreigners.
Perhaps, given the amazing ability of Ukrainian politicians to find the worst possible decision in any situation, the first project of the new Russia could take place. And UPR VSWR could agree in the autumn of 1919. In any case, a serious war against each other they were not.
But here, once again, in the course of history intervened the people of Ukraine. Not even all the Communists took care of the red Army from Ukraine. Not all nationalists wanted Union with the imperialists. Alternative all over again turned out to be Makhno. Most of the Makhno forces of the red Army decided to defend Ukraine, and has connection with the Father. Thus arose the Revolutionary Insurgent army of the Ukraine (Makhno) blocking the path of Denikin.
To clear the path was entrusted to General Kasavu, who, like skins was a great tactician. Its key strength was the officer shelves, often understaffed to such an extent that in reality regiment on paper could actually be no more company. But trained and motivated officers was more than compensated for its paucity of skills and weapons. The series CHAU continued to grow as her campaign, but a chronic shortage of ammunition and shells, transformed numerical advantage in major drawback. When you come to Uman, the rebels stumbled upon the troops of the UPR, which is not particularly sought with anyone to fight. But they put Makhno ammunition. However, to leave the rebels still was nowhere. They were cornered. But the whites had their own slack - they didn't have the rear as such. They were like the proverbial “thin red line” at Waterloo, and behind them was empty.
In late September 1919, CHAU turned around, scattered housing Slaschova, and flowed across the steppes of southern Ukraine all the way to bet Denikin in Taganrog. Supply of white from the port of Berdyansk and Mariupol was interrupted. Troops from the Moscow line was transferred to Ukraine. Makhno's men broke through the first gap in the wall of VSWR. After that, white had nothing to do, how to move from a victorious offensive to shutting emerging holes in their defence. The project “new Russia 1.0” failed. Noble and Orthodox white lost godless Ukrainian mob.
That's the story. You are trying to repeat, accelerated the project “new Russia 2.0”, justifying the fact that it is a native Russian, Orthodox, Slavic, Imperial earth. They should not forget the fact that 95 years ago, Ukrainians, Russians, Greeks, Jews, Tatars, and many others, called himself Makhno and made it clear that Ukraine is the land of her people.
Dmitry Berger
Source; http://hvylya.net/analytics/history/mahno-i-proval-operatsii-novorossiya-1-0.html
