Davies talked about this during a lecture, “Who won the Second World War?”, Which he delivered at the Polish Embassy in Moscow. World-renowned British historian, came to listen to Russian historians, representatives of the diplomatic corps and journalists. Davies came to Moscow to collect material for another book – about Anders’ Army – you’ve just been working on.
The historian has estimated that the answer to the question in the title of the lecture is simple: World War II won Grand Coalition; only problem is determining the contribution of the proportions of each Member in the victory. Davies pointed out that in this area, Stalin once said: “The British have given time, the Americans – the money, and we – blood.”
The professor stressed that all nations have their own, full of myths versions of the role played by their country in World War II. One of these myths – as pointed out – is the one that for Russia, the war began with the invasion of Nazi Germany in June 1941.
According to Davies, it is difficult to tell who was the winner in World War II. As an example mentioned Poland, whose soldiers – as noted – fought on all fronts; which suffered the biggest percentage loss of life and which – though she was a member of the grand coalition – did not take part in the Victory Parade in London in June 1946. The historian noted here that Poland lost as a result of the war more lands than Germany.
Talking about the role of the Army Red in the liberation of Europe, the professor said that “the fruits of freedom to Eastern Europe brought the soldiers who were not free themselves.”
Davies disagreed with the oft-repeated opinion that the greatest collaborators during World War II were the Ukrainians. Noted that, although the Ukrainians are a big nation, the Germans managed to create with them only one division of the Waffen SS, while the other nations sometimes after a few. He stressed that it was not only the Polish and Jewish division of the Waffen SS.
– You can not talk only of the Waffen SS Galicia. What banderowcami and UPA? – Tried to oppose him, Professor Mikhail Miagkow the Russian Society of Military History. – Of the citizens of the USSR fought on the side of Hitler Ukrainians were not the largest group. Suffice it to recall one name: Vlasov – Davies replied.
Irina Wielikanowa The Contemporary Museum of the History of Russia did not agreed with the professor that the soldiers of the Red Army brought the Europe of freedom, because we were not free. – We defended their homeland. For us it was the Great Patriotic War – underlined. – Excuse me, but the Soviet people were not as free as you deigned to suggest – answered her moderator, another Russian historian Andrei Zakharov.
After the meeting, Polish Davies told reporters that he is very happy with his progress. The temperature of the discussion explained that “victory in 1945 is the only victory in the history that the Russians were”. – All other went in blue distance – he said.
The professor estimated that the questions were heard Russian historians echoes of the old policy. – Soviet Historiography explains the beginning of the war, not the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, but the Munich appeasement policy – he said. Davies also stressed that “you have to separate the history of politics.” – The historian must have the courage. Without the conversation did not move forward – pointed out.
(JS)
Russia: Norman Davies explained in Moscow, who won the second war … – Onet.pl
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