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Importance of Monuments
Being often located in city centers or far from civilization actual battlefields are rarely perfectly preserved. Instead of conservation nations often erect monuments to honor important battles. But in doing so often create new stories of the past.
The construction, context, and veneration of certain monuments can tell us as much about the present conceptions of history as they do about history itself.
Battle of Borodino
A significant event in the Napoleonic Wars, fought on September 7, 1812. This battle marked a crucial moment in the conflict between Napoleon's Grand Army and the Russian forces.
The Battle of Borodino took place just 70 miles west of Moscow and was one of the bloodiest single-day battles of the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon aimed for a decisive victory to end the Russian campaign, while the Russian army, led by General Mikhail Kutuzov, who was just promoted by Alaxander the 1 of Russia to replace Barclay De Tolly.
Both sides experienced heavy casualties, with estimates reaching over 70,000. Despite their strong defense, the Russian army eventually withdrew, allowing Napoleon to claim a costly victory.
August 26, 1839, on the Mound Height, Russia consecrated a monument in memory of the valiant defenders of the Motherland
The Battle of Borodino is remembered for its intensity and the high price paid by both sides. It highlights the determination and sacrifices made during this period. As we reflect on this battle, we honor the memory of those who fought and acknowledge its impact on history.
Borodino Monument
Crimean War and the Monument to Sunken Ships
In 1783 Catherine the Great annexed the territory of Crimea into the Russian Empire, giving Russia access to a warm water port on the black sea. 70 Years later Russia would attempt to continue it's expansion against the Ottoman Empire claiming a right to protect Christians in the empire.
In response to Russian Aggression Britain, France, and Sardinia would intervene, invading Crimea and laying siege to Sevastopol. Outnumbered the Russian forces would scuttle their own fleet to block the harbor and deny capture to the enemy. On the 50th anniversary of the siege a pillar with an imperial eagle looking longingly out to sea was constructed, recasting the action as a destruction of Russia's potential by the west. The message continuing to resonate in the Soviet era would be untouched and even be included on the cities seal in 1969.
Claims of protection of national compatriots, potential lost from western intervention, and removal of blame stay alive in Russia's false justifications against Ukraine, who's territory it began to occupy in 2014 by illegally seizing Crimea. A year later the monument would be added to a banknote to celebrate "the accession of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation" and permanently added to the 200 ruble note in 2017.
WARSAW UPRISING
From August 1st, 1944 – October 2nd, 1944. Polish resistance fighter had been taking parts in sabatoge campaigns throughout the war and contributed heavily to collecting allied intelligence. As the Soviet forces drew near, the Polish resistance new that they needed to liberate themselves in order to negotiate their own sovereignty once the war concluded. Men, Women, and Children fought valiantly for two months. Despite being within reach, Soviet forces refused to support the Warsaw Uprising and the resistance finally succumbed to the German advance. In retaliation, the Germans nearly wiped Warsaw off the map with around 80% of the building being destroyed.
BATTLE OF BERLIN
Starting on 16 April 1945, the Red Army began it's final offensive against Berlin. It only took a few days for the city to be entirely encircled. On Hitler's birthday, 20 April, Soviet forces began an artillery barrage on the city which only ceased once the city surrendered. Berlin was separated from a large portion of remaining German army forces, as some Nazi elements moved westward in order to surrender to the Western allies instead of the Red Army. The city's last Nazi defenders were a hodgepodge of German Army elements, SS troops, Nazi militias, and Hitler Youth. Hitler killed himself on 30 April, and the remaining Nazi holdouts were ordered by to surrender by their commander on 2 May. The monument on the left is located in one of Berlin's major parks, and commemorates those who died in combat with Nazi Germany. The photograph on the left, the famous Raising a Flag over the Reichstag, was taken on 2 May. There had been significant pressure from Stalin to raise the flag in time for 1 May, International Worker's Day, which resulted in intense, prolonged fighting for control of the Reichstag. The soldier seen hoisting the flag in the photograph is Abdulkhakim Isakovich Ismailov, a Red Army Sergeant from a small town in Dagestan.
The Western allied forces considered an invasion of Berlin too costly in terms of potential casualties, and left the invasion to the Soviets. However, they contributed to the battle through continuous bombing raids on the city.
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