The Battle of Russia (1943) Reel 1 – Teutonic Knights to Napoleon: Historic Invasions

Reel 1 of The Battle of Russia (1943) places World War II in historical context by recounting centuries of invasions endured by Russia. It begins with the German Order of Teutonic Knights in 1242, defeated by Prince Alexander Nevsky at the Battle of Lake Peipus. The narrative then moves to the early 18th century, when Charles XII of Sweden invaded Russia and was ultimately defeated by Peter the Great at Poltava. The reel also highlights Napoleon’s march on Moscow in 1812, where Russian resistance and harsh conditions turned the tide against the French army. Finally, it depicts the onset of World War I, with Kaiser Wilhelm’s German forces seeking to conquer Russian territory. Through vivid depictions of medieval battles, imperial campaigns, and modern conflict, Reel 1 illustrates the enduring resilience of the Russian people against repeated invasions.

• Opening titles and historical narration on Russia's strategic defenses.
• Teutonic Knights' invasion (1242): Armored crusaders crossing frozen landscapes toward Novgorod.
• Battle of Lake Peipus: Prince Alexander Nevsky's forces shattering ice under knightly weight; dramatic reenactments of combat on frozen waters.
• 18th-century Swedish invasion: Charles XII's army advancing through snow-swept fields.
• Battle of Poltava (1709): Peter the Great's Russian troops clashing with Swedes in open-field warfare; cannon fire and cavalry charges.
• Napoleon's 1812 campaign: Grande Armée marching toward Moscow; scorched-earth tactics and winter retreat visuals.
• World War I onset: Kaiser Wilhelm's German forces invading Russian borders; trench preparations and early artillery barrages.
• Closing narration tying historical patterns to WWII resilience; fade to black.