After the October Revolution, numerous counter-revolutionary governments formed to fight against the Bolsheviks.
In August 1918, a leftist regime called the Supreme Administration of the Northern Region was formed in Arkhangelsk, led by the veteran Populist Nikolai Tchaikovsky.
Major-General Vladimir Marushevsky became commander-in-chief of the White Northern Army.
Due to the low influx of volunteers into the Army, the Supreme Administration of the Northern Region introduced general military service.
Many soldiers capitulated and the remnants of the Army were evacuated from Arkhangelsk in February 1920.