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Stalin's General: The Extraordinary Life of Georgy Zhukov

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Georgy Zhukov was one of the most brilliant and successful military commanders of the 20th century. As Marshal of the Soviet Union, he led the Red Army to victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This biography tells the story of Zhukov's life, from his humble origins to his rise to power and his eventual downfall.

Stalin's General: The Life of Georgy Zhukov

by Geoffrey Roberts

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8130 KB
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Print length	:	413 pages

Early Life and Career

Georgy Zhukov was born on December 1, 1896, in the village of Strelkovka, Russia. His parents were peasants, and he had a difficult childhood. He was orphaned at the age of 10 and was forced to work on a farm to support himself. In 1915, he was drafted into the Russian army and fought in World War I. He was wounded twice and was awarded the Cross of St. George for bravery.

After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Zhukov joined the Red Army. He fought against the White Army in the Russian Civil War and quickly rose through the ranks. By 1924, he was a regimental commander. In 1939, he was appointed commander of the 1st Army Group. He led the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939 and the Winter War against Finland in 1939-1940.

World War II

When Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, Zhukov was appointed commander of the Western Front. He led the Soviet defense of Moscow and played a key role in the victory at the Battle of Stalingrad. In 1943, he was appointed commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front. He led the Soviet forces to victory in the Battle of Kursk and the liberation of Ukraine. In 1944, he was appointed commander of the 1st Belorussian Front. He led the Soviet forces to victory in the Battle of Berlin and the surrender of Nazi Germany.

Zhukov was one of the most successful military commanders of World War II. He was a master of operational art and was able to achieve decisive victories against the German army. He was also a skilled politician and was able to maintain good relations with Stalin and other Soviet leaders.

Post-War Career

After the war, Zhukov served as commander of the Soviet occupation forces in Germany. He was also a member of the Soviet Politburo. In 1955, he was appointed Minister of Defense. However, he was dismissed from this post in 1957 after a power struggle with Nikita Khrushchev. Zhukov was retired from the military and lived in obscurity until his death in 1974.

Legacy

Georgy Zhukov was one of the most important figures in Soviet history. He was a brilliant military commander who led the Red Army to victory in World War II. He was also a skilled politician who was able to maintain good relations with Stalin and other Soviet leaders. Zhukov's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a ruthless and ambitious man who was responsible for the deaths of many Soviet soldiers. However, he was also a brilliant military commander who saved the Soviet Union from defeat in World War II.

Stalin's General: The Life of Georgy Zhukov

by Geoffrey Roberts

4.3 out of 5