Russia’s Natural Wealth, Cultural Diversity, and Global Diplomacy
About This Footage
Reel 2 of The Battle of Russia (1943) highlights the Soviet Union’s immense size, resources, and diverse population as the foundation of its wartime strength. The reel showcases underground mines, oil derricks, coal fields, steel factories, vast forests, and farmland filled with livestock, underscoring Russia’s industrial and agricultural capacity. Scenes of parades feature the country’s cultural diversity, with striking images of Cossacks on horseback, traditional dances, and Russian Mongols performing music. The reel also presents a glimpse of Moscow in the 1930s, with crowded streets, factories, workers, schoolchildren, housewives, and artists. It concludes with Soviet Russia’s 1934 induction into the League of Nations, marking a moment of international diplomacy. Together, these images reflect the resilience, resources, and cultural richness of Russia on the eve of World War II.
Part of this Complete Film
The Battle of Russia (1943): Soviet Resistance & WWII Eastern Front