Category: 7th Weekly Edition

The Allies can Tank the Battle of Kursk for Turning the Tide of the War

In his essay Battle of Kursk, James von Geldern states that this engagement “involved the largest tank battle of the Second World War,” and “was fought on the steppe of Kursk oblast between July 5 and August 23, 1943.” Furthermore, from taking a class on World War Two last Autumn, I know that this was and … Continue reading The Allies can Tank the Battle of Kursk for Turning the Tide of the War

Soviet National Anthem

Russia is perhaps one of the only countries in the world whose anthem reveals so much about that country’s past.  “God Save the Tsar” obviously was no longer appropriate after the February Revolution of 1917; “The Internationale,” the French piece which replaced the … Continue reading

Victory for the Soviets

The “Great Patriotic War,” otherwise known as World War II,  was a difficult time for both the USSR and Germany. Both states were limited in resources and struggled to maintain a satisfied audience of citizens as well as successfully maintain their armies due to lack of food and advanced weaponry. The Battle of Stalingrad turned … Continue reading Victory for the Soviets

Rosie the {Russian} Riveter

One group that is often overlooked during wartime is women. Traditional values in Soviet  culture told women to stay at home to tend to the children, cook dinner, clean up, and take care of other household issues. However, during the 1940s while men were away at war, women played a very different role in Soviet […]

“Savage Minorities” and Paranoia

A Russian victory in World War II was necessary for the reassertion of their legitimacy. 70+ years have passed since the Russian defeat over Nazi Germany, resulting in economic, political, and social upheaval once again; aimed at those who were “different” than the political elites. Stalin also felt compounding stress from: “[t]he Soviet Union, at … Continue reading “Savage Minorities” and Paranoia