The Soviet Marshal Georgy Zhukov

About this episode

This episode explores the life and legacy of Soviet Marshal Georgy Zhukov, examining his military achievements and political challenges.

Marshal Georgy Zhukov was undoubtedly one of the Second World War's most formidable figures. Rising from humble peasant origins, Zhukov became the archetype of the Soviet warrior. He commanded vast armies of millions in some of the biggest, bloodiest and most pivotal battles not just of the Second World War but, in all human history. He was celebrated as the saviour of Moscow and the commander who captured the capital of the Third Reich, and is believed by many to be one of history’s greatest military leaders. But his immense popularity and success may also have sown the seeds of his political vulnerability at home in the paranoid Soviet system. In this episode of Dan Snow's History Hit, part five of The Commanders series, we go beyond the legend to explore the man behind the myth. What made Zhukov the leader he became? How did he not only survive the tumultuous world of Soviet politics but thrive? And, does he truly deserve his towering reputation or were his victories at the expense of the men who served under him? Our guide to explore Zhukov's life is the renowned historian Geoffrey Roberts. He is an emeritus professor of modern history at University College Cork and a leading…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Snow

Guest: Geoffrey Roberts

Topics covered

• Soviet military history
• World War II
• Georgy Zhukov
• leadership
• political vulnerability
• historical legacy

Keywords

• Georgy Zhukov
• Soviet Union
• World War II
• military leadership
• historical analysis
• Geoffrey Roberts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University College Cork

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