Red Army Books

About Red Army

The Red Army was the military force of the Soviet Union, officially known as the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, established in 1918 during the Russian Civil War. Born from the Bolshevik Revolution, the Red Army initially fought to defend the nascent communist state from internal counter-revolutionaries and foreign intervention. Under leaders like Leon Trotsky and later Joseph Stalin, it developed into a vast and centralized military institution. By World War II, the Red Army had grown into one of the largest and most formidable forces in the world. It bore the brunt of the Eastern Front, playing a decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany. Key battles such as Stalingrad, Kursk, and the Siege of Leningrad exemplified its resilience and strategic depth. Despite suffering massive casualties, the Red Army pushed westward, ultimately capturing Berlin in 1945. After the war, it was instrumental in maintaining Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe and projecting power during the Cold War. The Red Army underwent several reforms and was eventually reorganized as the Soviet Army in 1946, though the term “Red Army” is still widely used to refer to its World War II form. It remains a symbol of Soviet strength, sacrifice, and military-industrial capability during the 20th century.