Stalingrad Coursework Question 1 - What was the Soviet reaction to the German invasion?

Stalin’s last Five-Year Plan had aimed at increasing Soviet military supplies. The success of the Five-Year plans gave the Russian’s a false sense of invincibility and gave them a patriotic passion towards war. But it had at least prepared them for war. Stalin used propaganda posters to encourage the Soviets to live every moment of life for victory! One key phrase reiterated within the factories was “quantity has a quality of its own” which inspired workers to speed up production. Stalin even reversed previous policies and reinstated churches, so the Soviets could pray for a Russian victory against the Germans.

        The Soviet Red Army underwent a reversal in reaction from broken will to sheer determination to live. After several speedy victories, the reputation of the German Blitzkrieg was terrifying and to the Russian soldiers the Germans seemed like an unstoppable force. Stalin’s initial orders were not to provoke the Germans in any manner, which delayed the Soviet preparations and their mobilisation. When orders were given, soldiers took their stand at Leningrad, Moscow and Stalingrad, as supplies were readily available within the cities. Soldiers no longer feared pain, humiliation, death, as the wrath of Hitler’s army had already shown them hell. However, with every brutal killing, each Soviet found a new inner patriotic passion to kill the Nazi enemy. Although, Stalin had killed many great generals during his purges in the 1930s, he reinstated several great leaders, including Marshall Zhukov, who led the Red Army to victory. Russian industry was not only quicker in production but their level of technology was also superior to the Germans. Their T34 and KV tanks were significant in defeating the Germans and for every tank the Germans destroyed, five more had been produced. The soldiers were also aided by the simple factor that they were defending their own country and had a deeper fervour for victory and freedom.

        Inspired by Stalin’s speeches, an incomprehensible patriotic passion overcame the Soviet people. Factory workers often walked to work to save fuel, worked longer hours, and donated money to the war cause under Stalin’s orders! Industry was moved to behind the Ural Mountains where they could continue production to aid the war cause. The popular phrase “quantity has a quality of its own” inspired workers to work up to sixteen- hour days. People were even found digging trenches in the streets to aid the defence of Russia in the war.

        The Soviet Unions overall reaction resulted in victory in Russia and marked a turning point in the Second World War! Three main factors aided the Russians to victory alongside their determination. Firstly, the Germans were not prepared for the severity of Russian winter and much of their equipment couldn’t operate in the freezing conditions. Secondly, Hitler’s single-minded approach to defeating Stalin blinded him to the reality of defeat. Thirdly, the ruthless Nazi tactics spurred the Soviets with patriotic zeal and a passion for vengeance. Consumed with the impressive reaction of Stalin, the Russian army and the Soviet people, these factors resulted in a crucial victory for Russia.  

        

        Emma Mooney