Russian and Soviet History

May 9, 2008 Victory Day Coverage

May 9th, 2008

Victory Day 2008 coverage from Red SquareToday marks the 63rd anniversary of the victory over Germany in World War II. In Russia, the war is known as the Great Patriotic War, and May 9th is still one of the biggest holidays of the year. Russia today has English language coverage of this morning’s Victory Day parade on Red Square. Watch the full video with English commentary and read about the event on the Russia Today website.

Military parade on Red Square - full version (68 min)

Update: Russia Today has posted a lot of great video covering this year’s Victory Day and the history of the Great Patriotic War. Here are some highlights.
History of Great Patriotic War

Russia celebrates WW2 victory

U.S. uncertain about WW2 history
A Victory Day report from America with a Russian perspective.

Found Footage: Russia split over Lenin’s legacy

April 26th, 2008

More than 80 years after his death, Russians are still divided about the legacy of Vladimir Lenin. Last week saw the 138th anniversary of Lenin’s birth.  In the past, his home town was renamed in his honor, but now there’s talk of returning the city’s original name.  Here’s an interesting piece from Russia Today covering the controversy.

Russia split over Lenin’s legacy

Soviet May Day Postcards

April 23rd, 2008

With May Day approaching, we bring you a collection of Soviet May Day postcards. These are great examples of soviet art and we hope you will enjoy them. These were originally posed to Flickr by iwasayeyeman.

Soviet May Day Postcard with girl, flowers and Soviet flag

Soviet May Day Postcard with soviet family

Soviet May Day Postcard with girl, flowers and Soviet flag

Soviet May Day Postcard with soviet family

Baby mammoth found in Russia

July 12th, 2007

Baby Mammoth found in RussiaA baby mammoth was recently found in nearly perfect condition, frozen in the Russian permafrost. The mammoth was discovered by a reindeer breeder in the Yamalo-Nenetsk region. The mammoth has been named “Lyuba” after the wife of the man who found her. Click here to view video of the mammoth from BBC.

Link: Baby mammoth find promises breakthrough

Found Footage: Sputnik launch in 1956

June 9th, 2007

This Universal International News reel from 1956 takes an interesting look at the launch of Sputnik by the Soviets. The clip includes an animation showing how Sputnik was believed to have been launched. This news piece was most likely shown in movie theaters around America.

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