Who were the "Whites" during the Russian Revolution?

The "Whites" during the Russian Revolution primarily represented counter-revolutionaries and liberals who opposed the Bolsheviks and their policy changes following the October Revolution in 1917. This group included a diverse coalition of monarchists, liberals, conservatives, and other factions dissatisfied with Bolshevik rule. They sought to restore the old order and eliminate Bolshevik influence, advocating for a more traditional and often authoritarian government structure.

The context of the Russian Civil War, which erupted shortly after the revolution, saw the Whites battling the "Reds," the Bolshevik forces. Their efforts were a reaction to the radical reforms and socialist direction taken by the Bolsheviks, and they often received support from landowners and those who feared the loss of their power and wealth due to socialist policies.

While White forces also sometimes included foreign troops who had their interests in mind, their primary identity was rooted in counter-revolution and liberal ideals, distinguishing them from the Bolshevik movement. Thus, the designation of the "Whites" as counter-revolutionaries and liberals accurately captures the essence of their role in the conflict during this tumultuous period in Russian history.