The March of the Dead: Russia's Civil War Ghosts

While previous episodes covered the political machinations of the Bolsheviks and the brutal efficiency of the Cheka, this episode explores the surreal, psychological dimension of the Russian Civil War through the lens of 'The March of the Dead.' We trace how General Nikolai Yudenich’s White Army, on the eve of their final assault on Petrograd in late 1919, staged a bizarre and terrifying military parade using conscripted peasants dressed as corpses. This episode examines the intersection of superstition, propaganda, and desperation during the conflict, featuring key figures like Grigory Rasputin’s lingering shadow, Leon Trotsky’s mobilization efforts, and the specific tactics used to break the morale of both the Red defenders and the local population. We look at primary accounts from survivors, the role of mysticism in an increasingly secular revolution, and why such a theatrical display failed to achieve its strategic goals despite its visceral impact.

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