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- About Ukrainian history
- Why Stalin organized famine in Ukraine
- Russification in Ukraine
- How USSR suppressed Ukrainian identity
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Ukraine: At the epicenter of history and trauma
Ukraine had multiple chances of not “making it” to this point as a country. The Ukrainian nation, with its unique language and culture, has existed for over 1000 years. With major colonial powers across its borders, Ukraine has fought to exist as a sovereign and independent state for centuries. It stands at the center of significant historical events: the First World War, the Second World War, the Holocaust, and the Soviet Union’s collapse. And most important and unknown of all — the center of Stalinist terror.
From its colonial past and Ukrainian revolution to the Soviet years and independent Ukraine, these events are an essential backstory for what is happening in Ukraine today.
A dictator of cruelty that can only compare to Hitler — Joseph Stalin was at the center of Ukraine’s most shocking and disturbing memories. One could call it a mass famine or hunger, but Ukrainians have their own word for it — Holodomor. In Ukrainian, “holod” stands for hunger, and “mor” means extermination. Even the lawyer who came up with the word “genocide” talked about Ukraine in the Stalinist era as a prime example of this concept.Many questions about Ukraine remain unanswered in the minds of many today. Why was Lenin so obsessed with occupying Ukraine? And why were Bolshevik leaders so fearful of an independent Ukraine at the same time? Why did massive famine kill millions of Ukrainians while there was no sign of hunger across the Russian border? Why do so many contemporary Ukrainians speak both Ukrainian and Russian?This piece provides a brilliant recap of Ukraine's history, discussing its most traumatic and hidden pages while answering all your questions about Ukraine's present and past. Today, everyone witnesses the nation’s struggle for the right to remain Ukrainian. Diving into its history will give you a deeper understanding of why Ukraine is again at the epicenter of events.
second KEY POINT
Ukraine up to 20th century: Formation of identity and resistance
Descendants of Slavs and Vikings, Ukrainians take their roots from the ancient state of Kyiv Rus. In the 12th century, Ukrainians were already aware of having a distinct culture with their own language, food, customs, folklore, and rituals. Later, Ukrainians struggled to form a sovereign state, divided by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian empire.A group of courageous rebels known as Cossacks was the closest to obtaining autonomy from neighboring imperial rulers. They formed a prototype of modern Ukraine: a self-governing entity with its laws, borders, and distinct identity. They effectively revolted against Russian and Polish rule but were eventually liquidated as a potential threat to the Russian empire.
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first KEY POINT
Roaring 20s and Ukrainian revolutions
second KEY POINT
Lenin’s occupation of Ukraine: the first famine
third KEY POINT
Leading up to disaster: Reasons behind famine
fourth KEY POINT
The 1930s: Famine, silencing, and suspicion
fifth KEY POINT
Stalin’s success: Propaganda and Russification
sixth KEY POINT
Memories of famine and recognition in Ukraine today
seventh KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine about?
Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine, written by Anne Applebaum, delves into the devastating 1932-1933 famine in Ukraine, examining how Stalin weaponized starvation as part of his broader political strategy against Ukrainians. The book explores the interplay of ideology, state power, and human suffering, revealing the catastrophic effects of Soviet policies.
Is Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine worth reading?
Yes, Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in history, particularly the Soviet Union's impact on Ukraine. Applebaum's meticulous research and compelling narrative provide deep insights into a tragic chapter of human history, making it both enlightening and thought-provoking.
How many pages is Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine and when was it published?
Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine is 464 pages long and was published in 2017. This comprehensive work combines historical analysis with personal stories, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of Stalin's regime.
What are the key takeaways from Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine?
Key takeaways from Red Famine include the examination of how forced collectivization and political repression led to the Holodomor, where millions of Ukrainians died from starvation. Applebaum emphasizes the long-lasting effects this famine had on Ukrainian identity and the historical narratives surrounding Soviet policies.
Who is the author of Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine?
The author of Red Famine: Stalin's War on Ukraine is Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian. Known for her expertise in Eastern European history, Applebaum provides a thorough and nuanced understanding of the events that shaped Ukraine's tragic experience during Stalin's regime.