Russia

Even after the Germany’s defeat, the continuing fear of a resurgence of German commerce drove attempts to improve Britain’s position especially in resource-rich Russia. The nature of British investments, being mainly in the oil and mining industries, differed from those of its main imperial rivals. Protecting these interests would be a major factor in the British intervention in the Russian Civil War. The British Trade Corporation naturally sought investment opportunities in Russia. It was seen by both the British Government and investors as an obvious partner for a number of Russian ventures. However, after Britain withdrew its support for anti-Bolshevik forces in 1920, British commercial ventures in Russia were doomed to failure. The British Trade Corporation’s failure in Russia reflected Britain’s own failed policies, which to a large extent were driven by economic pressures at home.