The Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 marked a pivotal moment in Russian history, dramatically altering the country’s political and social landscape. Central to this period was the brutal assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in July 1918, as the Bolsheviks sought to eliminate any remnants of the monarchy that could potentially rally opposition. The murder of the royal family was symbolic of the Bolsheviks' desire to consolidate their control over Russia and cement their revolution, leading to a devastating civil war between the Bolsheviks (Reds) and their opponents, the White Army.

The Russian Civil War (1917-1923), often referred to as the White vs. Red War, saw intense conflict between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (anti-communist forces), along with various other factions. The White Army, comprising monarchists, capitalists, and supporters of democratic socialism, was backed by foreign powers, including the United States. American troops were deployed, particularly in northern Russia and Siberia, to support evacuation efforts, protect war materials, and prevent the spread of Bolshevism. My great Uncle Walt fought the communists as a US soldier, and was also shot in the head and survived. For me it remains personal as it should for many.

Despite international support, the Whites were ultimately defeated, and the Bolshevik regime solidified its rule.

As the revolution and civil war unfolded, many northern European Russians, particularly those opposed to Bolshevik rule, fled the country, with a significant number seeking refuge in Ukraine. Ukraine, at the time, had declared its independence and was seen as a sanctuary for those escaping Bolshevik persecution. However, this migration further complicated the geopolitical landscape as the Bolsheviks sought to bring Ukraine under their control, seeing it as a critical region for their revolutionary expansion.

The long history of conflicts between Ukrainians and Russians can be traced back to these early 20th-century events. Ukrainians, with a rich culture and a strong desire for self-governance, have often sought democracy and independence, resisting external control. On the other hand, the Bolshevik regime, driven by a communist ideology and later reinforced by the Soviet Union’s imperial ambitions, continuously attempted to subjugate Ukraine. This conflict of interests laid the groundwork for ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with the former striving for democratic freedoms and the latter frequently imposing authoritarian rule.

The Bolshevik leadership, often viewed as an extension of Mongol-like conquest, not only sought political control but aimed to dominate a peaceful nation of highly intelligent and hardworking individuals in Ukraine. The history of this struggle reflects deep-rooted resistance among Ukrainians to outside forces that sought to control their land, people, and future.

Fast forward to modern times, the same ideological and territorial tensions continue to manifest in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The horrific acts committed during this conflict—raping, kidnapping, and killing—are a blatant disregard for humanity and international law. Anyone who fails to understand the historical context of these events, and the continued fight for democracy in Ukraine, is, quite frankly, clueless about history. Sadly, this ignorance becomes even more concerning when viewed in the context of the current political discourse in the United States, particularly as it relates to former President Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick. We will agree to disagree.

As tensions rise, Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet amidst growing public disagreements over the U.S.'s role in supporting Ukraine. Trump, who has criticized U.S. involvement in Ukraine and expressed admiration for Russian military strength, argues that Ukraine should have compromised to avoid the devastation brought by the war. In contrast, Zelenskyy and his allies, including Vice President Kamala Harris, assert that any suggestion of a quick deal with Russia is not a peace proposal but a surrender.

This divergence of views on how to handle the Ukraine crisis highlights a broader debate on international engagement and the defense of democratic values. Trump's rhetoric, which downplays the importance of supporting Ukraine, contrasts sharply with the longstanding American tradition of defending democracies worldwide. Zelenskyy has noted that Trump oversimplifies the conflict, with JD Vance, Trump's running mate, taking a more radical stance that Ukraine should concede territory.

However, I, along with many others, stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s fight for democracy and freedom. The atrocities committed by Russian forces during their invasion—rape, kidnapping, the murder of civilians, and the forced deportation of children—are inexcusable and must be condemned. The Ukrainian people, who have long fought for their right to self-governance, deserve our unwavering support in the face of such aggression.

As tensions continue to rise, it is imperative that global leaders, including Trump and Zelenskyy, navigate these discussions with a clear understanding of historical context and a firm commitment to upholding human rights and democratic values.

See: https://www.rferl.org/a/when-american-soldiers-fought-a-war-in-russia/30410353.html

ARTICLE SUMMARY: In 1918, during the chaotic aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution, the United States became involved in a little-known military intervention in Russia. This operation took place as the Russian Civil War raged between the Bolshevik Red Army and various opposition forces. The article "When Americans Fought a War in Russia" by Amos Chapple sheds light on this historical episode, often overshadowed by larger events like World War I and the Russian Revolution.

The United States sent approximately 13,000 troops to Russia’s Far North and Eastern Siberia in the summer of 1918. This intervention was driven by geopolitical concerns, especially from Britain and France, who feared that Russia's withdrawal from World War I following the Bolshevik Revolution would allow Germany to shift its forces from the Eastern to the Western Front. British Prime Minister David Lloyd George was particularly concerned that this development could spell disaster for the exhausted Allied forces in France and Belgium.

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, under intense pressure from the Allied powers, reluctantly agreed to send American troops. The primary stated objective was to protect military supplies and aid Czechoslovak soldiers stranded in Russia. Wilson was hesitant to get involved in the Russian Civil War, fearing that further military engagement would worsen the situation. Nevertheless, U.S. troops quickly found themselves in the midst of the conflict, with British officers commanding them and directing them into battle against Bolshevik forces.

The harsh realities of the Russian wilderness and brutal winter conditions compounded the difficulties faced by U.S. soldiers. Many of the American troops were from Michigan, which is where my great uncle Walt lived, as military leaders believed they would be better equipped to handle the frigid climate. Despite the preparation, the campaign was fraught with challenges, including ambushes by Bolshevik forces and the looting of American supplies before the troops had even arrived.

The U.S. intervention, known as the "Polar Bear Expedition" in the Far North and the Siberian Expeditionary Force in the east, saw fierce engagements with Bolshevik fighters. The American troops, often unsure of their purpose, endured grueling battles and suffered significant casualties. Brutal treatment of captured soldiers by Bolsheviks, including reported acts of torture, fueled animosity between the opposing sides.

By the summer of 1919, with the Red Army gaining strength and the U.S. public growing weary of foreign entanglements, American forces were withdrawn from Russia. The campaign, which cost the lives of between 210 and 244 U.S. soldiers, left many participants questioning the mission’s purpose. As one American commander put it, the soldiers had no clear understanding of why they were fighting, a sentiment that pervaded much of the U.S. involvement in this forgotten war.

See:

https://armyhistory.org/the-american-intervention-in-north-russia-1918-1919/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/forgotten-doughboys-who-died-fighting-russian-civil-war-180971470/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062852779?tag=smithsonianco-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

White Red Continues