From the Teutonic Knights to Napoleon’s 1812 Defeat
About This Footage
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.
Part of this Complete Film
The Battle of Russia (1943): Soviet Resistance & WWII Eastern Front