This is definitely one of my favorite topics relating to both the Cold War and the Soviets. The Soviet Union’s contribution to the Space Race and the field of Space exploration in general has, and always will have a lasting effect on humankind as a whole. And while it was indeed a “race” between the US and Soviet Union, I think it was also a point of mutual pride between the two countries in a sense- because in the end, putting a person in space, regardless of their national allegiance, is a giant leap forward for mankind that all can appreciate. Great post!
Author: zaneg96
Comment on I Triple Doggie Dare You To Nuke Me by zaneg96
Brett, Great post! I think this is definitely a crucial topic that must always be discussed when studying both the Soviet union and the Cold War in general. As you said/expressed (in so many words), a nuclear arms race and the prospect of nuclear war is horrifying. But I also think that, as you also said, these weapons kept the cold war “cold”. As you pointed out, there was still blood shed through proxy wars, but on a much more limited scale. If we were to turn back the clock and prevent the advent of nuclear weapons, it would be possible to say that World War III may have been fought during the mid 20th century (between the US, Soviets, and many others) because that threat of MAD would’ve been non existent. So while Nuclear weapons created a great fear during this time, both of and By the Soviets, it also (arguably) may have prevented death on a much larger scale from some perspectives! (Disclaimer, this does not mean I am pro-nukes- just playing devil’s advocate)
Comment on The Katyn Forest Massacre by zaneg96
James, this was really interesting to read about. I was unaware of this massacre prior to reading your post. It really does show how far the Soviets were willing to go in order to try to protect themselves. Their barbarism in this massacre, and other atrocities during WWII, is often overlooked in favor of focus on Nazi atrocities, unfortunately. Both sides committed horrible acts and students of history should know the scope of what the Soviets did as well.
Comment on All is Fair in Love and War by zaneg96
Bree,
This was a really interesting and unique post. You’ve found a way to look at WWII Russia in a very different light than most. I find it very interesting how in the grand scheme of this war, which was brutal, violent, and unforgiving, romance and love still seemed to find its way into the culture of the period. I also agree with your discussion of how the poetry and other media of the time draws attention away from the fact that there were women out there fighting to return home to loved ones too- not necessarily husbands, but children, parents, siblings, etc. Great Job!
Comment on Exploration of the Poles by zaneg96
Phil, I thought this was a very unique and informative post. I had no clue that this “Race to Explore the Poles” existed. As some of my fellow peers pointed out, this race was definitely overshadowed by the Space Race. However, it was nonetheless important to not only the exploratory spirit growing in the Soviet Union, but science as well. Very interesting post!
Comment on Stalin’s Favorite Movie: Soviet Film in the 1930’s by zaneg96
I thought your post was really interesting, and was a unique take on how Soviet film and culture intertwine. I enjoyed how you talked about the impact of the 1930s on cinematography, as Russia became more repressed over all under Stalins rule. It is important to keep in mind the effects of the “Great Retreat” and the subsequent Party-led cultural revolution that occurred in Russia and how it used different organs of society to achieve its goals.
Comment on Open Up, Communism is Knocking on Your Door by zaneg96
This was an excellent post, I really enjoyed your prose and the subject you covered. I thought you covered the Stalinist scapegoating tactics in regards to the Kulaks very well; I think this gives all of us a better perspective in how Stalin will apply these scapegoating tactics to other groups within Russia as well.
Comment on Women: Powerful or just Domestic? by zaneg96
I enjoyed your blogpost and its explanation of how gender roles in Russian society were extremely complex after the revolution. The stark contrast in attitudes within the Communist movement highlights an ideological schism that could easily alienate and dissuade some people form truly subscribing to the “progressive/praised” communist ideology within Russia at the time.
Comment on The Emancipation of Soviet Citizens from Religion by zaneg96
This post was a very informative and interesting read. It’s truly intriguing that the Bolsheviks were able to take what was once such a large part of Russian culture and dismantle it so quickly- I think this attests to the power of propaganda and its influence on the public majority. In regards to the persecution of other religions in Russia, this was something advanced greatly under Alexander III- so in some regard, the Tsarist Regime(s) and the Bolsheviks had overlapping actions and ideas.
Comment on Power to the People by zaneg96
Maura, fantastic post! It was informative in regards to how War Communism devastated Russia, and as well as in regards to the New Economic Policy. I also learned from your post about the turn to capitalism to prepare the country for communism- its ironic in a sense, but it also follows the Marxist idea that capitalism is just a stage in the process of conversion to communism.
