Marshal Georgy Zhukov is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional generals of the conflict, and this year marked the 50th anniversary of his passing on June 18. His remarkable tenacity, courage, and strategic acumen are unmatched in military annals.
Zhukov's journey from humble beginnings as a peasant boy to a prominent general during the Second World War exemplifies a true rags-to-riches story. He emerged as the Soviet Union's key military leader, instrumental in shaping pivotal moments throughout the war.
Notably, Zhukov played a crucial role in saving Leningrad from Nazi capture in September 1941, orchestrated the defense of Moscow in October 1941, led the Red Army's advance on Berlin, and accepted Germany's unconditional surrender in May 1945. While he made tactical errors in some operations, his ability to navigate complex strategic scenarios set him apart.
Geoffrey Roberts' biography, "Stalin's General," stands as the first comprehensive critical examination of Zhukov, drawing on independent sources to portray his life before and after the war. Although Roberts addresses the Soviet Union's significant achievements and its grave transgressions, he steadfastly refuses to shy away from condemning the regime's terror and repression. Yet, he asserts that force and terror were not the only elements that defined Zhukov’s life and the monumental events he witnessed.
Zhukov's own memoirs reflect a historian’s clarity rather than that of a mere reminiscence.
Early life
Born on December 2, 1896, in the peasant village of Strelkovka, Kaluga Province, Central Russia, Zhukov received a primary education until the age of 10. He later apprenticed as a cobbler in Moscow. In 1915, he joined a Tsarist cavalry regiment, where he honed his skills in using large mounted formations on the expansive Russian steppes. Notably, as a soldier, he captured a German officer while working as a spy before being injured by a mine, earning his second St. George's Cross.
In 1918, Zhukov joined the newly established Soviet Red Guards, meeting Joseph Stalin during the Russian Civil War at Tsaritsyn. Both men were pivotal in defeating the right-wing White forces. The Soviet military purges eventually facilitated Zhukov's rise and that of fellow marshals. In June 1939, he commanded the 1st Soviet Mongolian Army, which achieved victory over the Japanese Kwantung Army.
Zhukov and Stalin
Zhukov's collaboration with Stalin significantly influenced the Soviet success against Hitler and the Nazis. He was a key architect in the outcomes of major battles during the Soviet-German conflict, including Leningrad, Moscow, Stalingrad, Kursk, and Berlin.
In his memoirs, Zhukov credits Stalin with saving Moscow, acknowledging the "near impossible" achievement that resulted from Stalin's stringent oversight.
Despite prioritizing the demoralization of Nazi forces, Zhukov was also committed to conserving and effectively utilizing the Red Army's resources during a time of limited availability.
As the Battle of Stalingrad approached, Stalin appointed Zhukov as Deputy Supreme Commander, tasking him with saving the city and preparing countermeasures against the enemy offensive.
Throughout the war, the Red Army's operational doctrine evolved, often reflecting Zhukov's preference for encirclement tactics, a strategy he used successfully at Stalingrad in November 1942.
Although he respected Stalin's leadership, Zhukov was not afraid to confront him during postwar tensions. When dismissed by Khrushchev, he maintained his dignity, expressing loyalty while denying any wrongdoing.
Role in World War II
Zhukov demonstrated exceptional strategic foresight, undertaking meticulous preparations for combat. His capacity for both offensive and defensive operations was evident during the Soviet war games of January 1941. However, when Germany invaded in June 1941, early counter-offensives inadvertently exposed Soviet forces to encirclement, contributing to one of the Red Army's most devastating defeats. By year’s end, approximately four million Soviet soldiers had fallen, leading to heavy retreats.
In July 1941, Zhukov was appointed to command a reserve army tasked with launching a significant counter-offensive in the Smolensk region. He successfully achieved the Red Army’s first large-scale offensive against German forces at Yelnya in August, reversing the momentum by recapturing substantial territory.
Zhukov's subsequent actions led to the salvation of Leningrad in September 1941 and a decisive counteroffensive outside Moscow in December that rolled back German forces and thwarted Hitler’s plans for a rapid conquest. The following summer, the Germans aimed to seize Soviet oilfields, setting the stage for the siege of Stalingrad.
On the eve of Stalingrad, Zhukov executed a multi-faceted counteroffensive termed Operation Uranus, which encircled 300,000 Axis troops and inflicted heavy losses on German forces. This victory marked a turning point in the war, demonstrating Zhukov's effectiveness in command.
Zhukov's strategic prowess continued throughout the war, culminating in a decisive role during the Battle of Kursk in July 1943, where German and Soviet forces clashed with devastating results for Germany. The subsequent liberation of Kiev and the successful execution of Operation Bagration further established Zhukov as a vital figure in advancing Soviet objectives through Eastern Europe.
In the spring of 1945, Zhukov was pivotal in the final assault on Berlin, culminating with the acceptance of Germany's unconditional surrender on May 9. His commanding presence during the victory parade in June 1945 underscored his significance in Soviet military history.
Post-war life
Following the war, Zhukov was unexpectedly removed from his position as commander-in-chief and assigned to a military command in Odessa. However, with Stalin’s death in March 1953, a political shift allowed for a resurgence in his career, as he supported Nikita Khrushchev's rise and participated in the elimination of the NKVD chief Beria.
Despite his political endorsements, Zhukov faced further demotion, accused by Khrushchev of fostering a "cult of personality." During the 20th Party Congress in 1956, he became embroiled in disputes regarding military preparedness prior to the German invasion.
Zhukov, while acknowledging potential flaws in Soviet strategy, defended the readiness of the Red Army. In the years following Khrushchev's ousting, Zhukov experienced a gradual rehabilitation, culminating in the publication of his memoirs, which sought to correct perceived inaccuracies about the war from both Soviet and German perspectives. His writings reflect a nuanced understanding of military history and strategy.
Marshal Georgy Zhukov passed away on June 18, 1974, at the age of 77. His final resting place is in the Kremlin Wall, memorialized by his contemporaries as a figure who inseparably linked his life to that of his nation. His funeral garnered national attention, reminiscent of Stalin's memorial, and signified the emergence of a Zhukov cult in historical memory.
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*Freelance journalist
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