In 1917, the Russian Bolshevik Party staged a revolution against Alexander Kerensky's Provisional Government that led to a civil war.

New commander General Petr Belov decided to use his reserve, the 4th Corps, to outflank Orenburg from the north.

As a result, there was no cover for the White Western Army's rear communications (commander Mikhail Hanzhin).

The Whites concentrated 6 infantry regiments near Ufa and decided to outflank the Turkestan Army.

The defeat of the Whites in the Center and South, enabled the Red Army to cross the Ural Mountains.