Motivations to Serve: The Soviet Soldier in the Second World War

In his article, Roger Reese tries to clarify why Soviet soldiers sacrificed themselves in the Second World War in spite of the atrocities of Stalin’s tyranny. He argues that the military service during the war did not necessary mean approval and full support of Stalinist regime. Reese uses written and oral narratives by the Soviet war veterans to prove his opinion.

According to the traditional western historical interpretation, Soviet soldiers fought German invaders because they backed Stalinism and in such a way, the entire Second World War is considered as a successful test of Stalin’s dictatorship. This devotion of the Soviet citizens to their bloody leader seems paradoxical and requires explanation. Usually, the answer is that the population was thoroughly brainwashed thanks to systematic ideological propaganda……….   (Download to read further)