Between Hitler and Stalin on the Eastern Front

The speaker introduces the session, noting the positive feedback from attendees. The session shifts focus from the Pacific to the European theater, specifically the Eastern Front. The relevance of the topic is highlighted in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The session features discussions by Dr. Rob Satino and Dr. Alexander Ritchie, with Dr. Jen Popowitz as the chair.

Dr. Rob Satino discusses the Soviet partisan movement, debunking the myth that it was a spontaneous civilian uprising motivated purely by Soviet patriotism. He explains that many partisans were former Red Army soldiers. He also highlights the collaboration of various Soviet citizens with the Germans, including those from the Baltic states, Ukraine, and the Caucasus region. Satino emphasizes the complexity and diversity of motivations behind these collaborations.

Satino elaborates on the use of Russian nationalism and religion by the Soviet regime during the war to motivate people to fight. He highlights the presence of Soviet citizens who fought against Soviet rule alongside the Germans. He provides examples of such collaboration from various Soviet nationalities, including the Baltic Legions, Ukrainian units, and Caucasian groups. He emphasizes the complexity of these resistors' motivations.

Satino deconstructs the mythologized view of the Soviet partisan movement, noting that many partisans were organized remnants of the Red Army. He explains that Soviet propaganda during and after the war exaggerated the spontaneous nature of the partisan movement. Satino highlights the significant number of Soviet citizens who collaborated with the Germans for various reasons, including ideological beliefs, nationalism, and survival.

Satino discusses the reality of Soviet collaboration with the Germans, providing examples of various groups and their motivations. He explains the Soviet propaganda's portrayal of these collaborators as traitors and the subsequent rehabilitation of some of these figures by post-Soviet states. Satino emphasizes the complexity and ambiguity of these collaborators' actions and motivations.

Satino reflects on the broader implications of the resistance and collaboration in Eastern Europe. He notes the difficulty of maintaining a clear moral compass in the face of impossible choices. Satino concludes by stressing the importance of re-examining these historical events with a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the significant role of the millions of people involved.

Dr. Alexander Ritchie discusses the success and widespread nature of the Polish resistance during World War II. He highlights the various forms of resistance, including armed uprisings, sabotage, and the creation of an underground state. Ritchie explains the factors that contributed to the resistance's success, such as Polish patriotism and the brutal German occupation policies.

Ritchie delves into the complexity of the Polish resistance, discussing key figures and operations. He highlights the significant contributions of Polish resistance fighters, including the gathering of intelligence, sabotage of German efforts, and armed uprisings. Ritchie also touches on the interplay between different resistance groups and the broader context of the war.

Ritchie focuses on the Warsaw Uprising, explaining its significance and the brutal German response. He discusses the motivations behind the uprising and the tragic outcome for the Polish resistance fighters and civilians. Ritchie highlights the strategic miscalculations and the lack of support from the Soviet Union, which led to the uprising's failure.

Ritchie addresses the continuation of Polish resistance after World War II against Soviet rule. He describes the efforts of Polish fighters, known as the "cursed soldiers," who continued to resist the Soviet occupation. Ritchie explains the Soviet repression of these resistance efforts and the long-term impact on Polish society.

Ritchie explores the legacy of the Polish resistance during the Cold War and after the fall of communism. He discusses how the resistance was remembered and commemorated in Polish society, despite Soviet attempts to suppress this history. Ritchie emphasizes the enduring spirit of Polish resistance and its significance in Polish national identity.

Dr. Jen Popowitz moderates a discussion on how the Cold War shaped the memory of resistance movements in Eastern Europe. Satino and Ritchie explain the geopolitical complexities and how different narratives were promoted during and after the Cold War. They also discuss how the fall of communism allowed for a reevaluation of these resistance movements and their historical significance.

During the audience Q&A, a question is posed about Stalin's involvement in the Warsaw Uprising. Ritchie explains Stalin's strategic decisions and the missed opportunities for supporting the Polish resistance. Satino adds insights into Stalin's paranoid mindset and how it influenced his actions during the uprising.

An audience member asks about Western support for the Polish resistance. Ritchie explains the role of the British SOE and other Western efforts to aid Polish fighters. He highlights the challenges of providing effective support due to geographical and political constraints, particularly the lack of cooperation from the Soviet Union.

An audience member inquires about the relationship between Jewish and Polish resistance fighters. Ritchie discusses the complexities of this relationship, noting instances of cooperation and tension. He also addresses the broader context of Polish-Jewish relations during and after the war.

An audience member shares a personal connection to the Polish resistance, highlighting the story of Irina Sendler. Ritchie acknowledges Sendler's contributions to saving Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and the broader efforts of the Zegota organization. He discusses the importance of these personal stories in understanding the resistance movement.

An audience member asks about the impact of Nazi atrocities on Soviet resistance activities. Satino explains how German occupation policies, particularly the brutal treatment of civilians, fueled resistance efforts. He highlights the broader context of German strategies and their effects on occupied populations.

An audience member references Dr. Timothy Snyder's work, asking about the significance of Ukraine in World War II. Ritchie and Satino discuss Snyder's thesis on the centrality of Ukraine in the war and the ongoing historical and geopolitical implications. They relate these insights to the current conflict in Ukraine.

An audience member asks about Allied knowledge of resistance forces fighting against the Soviets. Satino explains that the Roosevelt administration viewed these forces as collaborators and did not differentiate between their motivations. He emphasizes the complex and often misunderstood nature of these resistance efforts.