In the years between the Russian Revolution of 1917 and World War II, the Soviet Army underwent dramatic changes in conscription, organization and effectiveness. The Russian Army in World War I had been lacking in leadership and drive, but was transformed by the Soviets into a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by its crucial victory at Stalingrad. Enhanced by color plates, illustrations and photographs, this book traces the development of the Soviet Army from its Tsarist heritage, through the tumultuous years of the Red Army, to its full modernization in 1957.

Author Biography

Lieutenant-Colonel Albert Seaton (Retd.) is the author of many books on Russian military history. His The Russo-German War 1941-45 is one of the most complete and authoritative accounts available, and has appeared in London, New York and Frankfurt. His other works include The Battle for Moscow, Stalin as Military Commander and Stalingrad.