Marshall Zhukov

Marshall Zhukov on his steed. 

Marshall Zhukov on his steed. 

Soldiers marching through Red Square, where the Marshall's monument is located. 

Soldiers marching through Red Square, where the Marshall's monument is located. 

Georgy Zhukov was known as the most successful commander of the Soviet army during all of World War II. He was known as the “man who did not lose a battle” (1).

“Stalin’s choice of Zhukov to lead the parade evoked no comment. He was, after all, the supreme commander and widely regarded as the main architect of the Soviet victory over Adolf Hitler’s Germany, a victory that had saved Europe as well as Russia from Nazi enslavement.”

- Geoffrey Roberts, “Stalin’s General: The Life of Georgy Zhukov”

There is no question amongst Russians why there was a monument erected for this great war figure. He was almost entirely responsible for the Red Army’s first successful counteroffensive, which led to Hitler’s forces retreating (2). There is great pride amongst Russians till this day for their triumph over the Germans, especially those along the Eastern Front. In fact, Nicholas Daniloff puts it quite accurately in saying, “ To the Soviet Union, recalling victory in World War II is both a popular obsession and a national industry” (3). Similarly, it was broadcasted across multiple media outlets that the Soviets by themselves saved the nation, which we know not to be true (3). However, what’s more troubling is the lasting emphasis that is put on this triumph many years after the war was ended. “There is a criticism over constant harping on 40-year-old-heroics” (3). While there is most definitely an issue with the misrepresentation of war efforts and credit for victory, what’s more troubling to me are the implications that result from this constant reminder of the effects of World War II. One possible theory is that this constant reminder to the population of the tragedies of World War II is in hopes of encouraging citizens to work harder in order to bear what sacrifice my come in the event of some imminent attack. To put it simply, they’re employing a scare tactic.

1.

Trueman, C. N. "Georgy Zhukov." History Learning Site. N.p., 20 Apr. 2015. Web. 24 Oct. 2016. <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/military-commanders-of-world-war-two/georgy-zhukov/>.

 2.

Roberts, Geoffrey. Stalin's General: The Life of Georgy Zhukov. London: Icon, 2012. Print.

 3.

Daniloff, Nicholas. "Behind Moscow's Version of the Great Patriotic War." U.S. News & World Report (1985): n. pag. 6 May 1985. Web.