Civil War in Siberia: The End of Kolchak 1919-1920

David Footman assesses the death and legacy of a White Russian leader.

The handing-over and execution of Admiral Kolchak, early in 1920, gave rise to controversy and bitter feelings. Personal, national and political considerations have confused the issue, and some of the evidence has still to be made public. The incident had no decisive influence on world affairs—the White Russian cause in Siberia had been lost before it happened. But human behaviour is an element of history; and for this reason it seems worth while to set together the evidence that so far we possess.

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