How to Understand Russia's Role in World War II

The Soviet Union played the most critical role of any nation aside from Germany in World War II. That country were most prominent among the countries that subdued the Germans. One must sympathize for the Russians, who lost an estimated 24 million people during the war. But if not for the non-aggression pact with Hitler signed by Stalin in 1939, Germany would have been unable to so freely launch the attack on Poland that started World War II.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Books and videos concerning the role of the Soviet Union during World War II

1. Understand that Russian leader Joseph Stalin was a ruthless dictator who signed an agreement with Hitler in order to get a piece of Poland despite the Fuhrer's expressed hatred for the Soviet Union and its Communist regime.
2. Realize that Stalin showed a willingness to allow Germany to overrun Western Europe. The Soviet Union maintained its friendly relations with Hitler even after Germany's shocking six-week takeover of France.
3. Appreciate the Russian army for withstanding an overwhelming and brutal attack on their country by Germany that began in June 1941. By the fall of that year, Hitler was proclaiming victory.
4. Understand that the Germans were on the doorstep of both Moscow and Stalingrad. Only the valiant efforts of the Russian troops saved the nation from becoming a German puppet state.
5. Try to comprehend the sacrifice of the Russian army and people. An estimated 20 million Russians were killed during the war. By comparison, the United States lost about 400,000.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn all you can about how Stalin set up the Soviet Union for disaster before World War II and after it began and how his soldiers and people saved the country. It's among the most fascinating stories in history.