From the Siege of Leningrad to the Victory at Stalingrad
About This Footage
The Battle of Russia (1943) is a World War II documentary that chronicles the Soviet Union’s heroic defense against Nazi Germany and its pivotal role on the Eastern Front. Produced by the U.S. Government’s Office of War Information, the film places Russia’s wartime struggle in historical context, recalling invasions from the Teutonic Knights to Napoleon before focusing on the German onslaught of 1941. The documentary highlights the Siege of Leningrad, the Scorched Earth Policy, the defense of Moscow, and the epic Battle of Stalingrad. It also depicts the Road of Life across Lake Ladoga, Soviet counteroffensives, and the eventual capture of 22 German divisions at Stalingrad. With maps, archival footage, and stirring narration, the film portrays the resilience and sacrifice of the Russian people while documenting the shattering of Hitler’s armies in the East.
Explore Individual Reels & Previews
- The Battle of Russia Reel 1: Historic Invasions and Russian Resistance
- The Battle of Russia Reel 2: Resources, People & 1930s Moscow
- The Battle of Russia Reel 3: Balkan Conquests & Hitler Invades USSR
- The Battle of Russia Reel 4: German Blitzkrieg Meets Russian Resistance
- The Battle of Russia Reel 5: Scorched Earth and Guerrilla Resistance
- The Battle of Russia Reel 6: Moscow Counteroffensive & German Retreat
- The Battle of Russia Reel 7: Leningrad Siege & Nazi Atrocities
- The Battle of Russia Reel 8: Siege of Leningrad and Road of Life
- The Battle of Russia Reel 9: Battle of Stalingrad & Drive to Baku
- The Battle of Russia Reel 10: Stalingrad Victory and German Surrender