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Description
The Soviet Man and Our Struggle is a vivid account of a Yugoslav communist delegation’s visit to the Soviet Union in 1944, highlighting the character, resilience and unity of Soviet society during the Great Patriotic War amidst the devastation imposed by the nazi-fascists. As the title indicates, central to this visit was the Soviet man, warm-hearted and selfless, qualities shaped by Russian culture and over two decades of socialism. From Grigory Ivanovich, a cook, to soldiers like Aksyonenko and Gurikov, the delegation found a profound integration of lofty Party ideals into everyday life, with both the simple people and leaders in steel-like unity.
The pamphlet captures the destruction wrought by the German terrorist occupiers in places like Uman, where streets were deserted and buildings were gutted. Yet the Soviet people responded with unparalleled determination, rebuilding their homes, schools and farms. Figures like Evgeniya Kogut epitomize this spirit, crediting the collective farm for providing the security and stability needed to rapid rebuild Soviet life. Efforts to protect the cultural and scientific treasures, such as the preservation of the Agricultural Institute’s botanical collections, further highlight the indomitable spirit of the Soviet man. However, the Red Army in particular impresses the reader as the foremost symbol of Soviet genius and heroism. From commanders like Marshal Konev who used creative methods, such as crossing the Dnieper with makeshift rafts, to soldiers like Captain Karaulov who won key victories through immense courage. The delegation also noted the socialist internationalism between the Soviet and Yugoslav people, seen in gestures such as Soviet pilots volunteering to aid the Yugoslav partisans and mass rallies celebrating Yugoslavia’s National Liberation War.
Through both rich anecdotes and detailed observations, The Soviet Man and Our Struggle showcases the undying strength of the Soviet peoples. Despite their immense suffering, their faith in the new society and dedication to defeating nazi-fascism forged a new style of determination, productivity and internationalism whose original birth can be found in Great October.