The Russians in Germany

In 1945, the arrival of the Red Army in eastern Germany was framed as "liberation" rather than "occupation," a narrative upheld in the German Democratic Republic until the Soviet Bloc's collapse. Utilizing newly accessible archives from Russia and Germany, Norman Naimark examines the Soviet occupation from 1945 to 1949, providing a detailed account of Soviet policies and their repercussions for both Germans and Russians, as well as for postwar Europe. Naimark vividly portrays the atmosphere and daily life during this tumultuous period, marked by violence, exploitation, and the establishment of the East German police state. He offers an unprecedented analysis of Soviet strategies, including their approach to reparations, technology transfer, and uranium acquisition, revealing how these policies shaped the political landscape of the occupied zone. Additionally, the book delves into cultural politics, illustrating how Soviet officers employed film, theater, and education to promote Bolshevism. This comprehensive examination presents a unique comparative perspective on Soviet military governance in Germany, filling a crucial gap in the narrative of modern European history.