Russian army

Definition

The Russian army is the military force of the Russian Federation, historically known for its vast size and significant role in various conflicts from the early modern period to present times. It represents an essential element of state power, influencing Russia's domestic and foreign policies throughout history, particularly during periods of enlightened despotism and territorial expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Russian army underwent significant reforms under Peter the Great, who sought to westernize military practices, resulting in improved organization and effectiveness.
2. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Russian army famously employed scorched earth tactics, retreating while destroying resources to weaken Napoleon's forces.
3. The Russian army has a reputation for being vast, often mobilizing millions of soldiers during major conflicts such as World War I and World War II.
4. Throughout history, the Russian army has played a key role in expanding Russia's territory, especially during the imperial period when it conquered vast regions in Eastern Europe and Asia.
5. In modern times, the Russian army continues to be a central component of national security policy, engaging in various military operations and exercises to assert Russia's influence globally.

Review Questions

• How did Peter the Great influence the structure and effectiveness of the Russian army?
  • Peter the Great significantly transformed the Russian army by implementing Western military techniques and reforms. He established a professional standing army, reorganized command structures, and emphasized training and discipline. These changes made the Russian military more efficient and capable of competing with European powers, setting a foundation for its future growth and effectiveness in major conflicts.
• What tactics did the Russian army use during the Napoleonic Wars, and what was their significance?
  • During the Napoleonic Wars, the Russian army employed scorched earth tactics as a strategic retreat against Napoleon's invading forces. This involved destroying food supplies and infrastructure to deny resources to the enemy. The significance of these tactics lay in their effectiveness in weakening Napoleon's forces over time, contributing to his eventual defeat during the harsh winter retreat from Moscow.
• Evaluate the impact of serfdom on the recruitment and social dynamics within the Russian army historically.
  • Serfdom had a profound impact on recruitment for the Russian army, as many soldiers were conscripted from peasant classes bound to their land. This system created a large pool of manpower but also led to social tensions and resistance among serfs. As serfs served in harsh conditions with limited rights, their experiences influenced perceptions of military service and loyalty to the state, which would shape social dynamics within Russia for generations.

Related terms

Serfdom: A system of forced labor in Russia where peasants were tied to the land and subjected to the authority of landowners, impacting the army's recruitment and social structure.

Peter the Great: The Tsar who modernized the Russian army in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, introducing Western military techniques and reforms that transformed it into a formidable force.

Napoleonic Wars: A series of conflicts involving Napoleon's French Empire against various European coalitions, where the Russian army played a crucial role in resisting French expansion and ultimately contributing to Napoleon's defeat.