Red Famine summary

Understanding the Ukrainian Famine

In Red Famine, Anne Applebaum delves into the devastating Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933, a period known as the Holodomor. She begins by providing a comprehensive historical context, explaining the complex relationship between Ukraine and Russia, and the impact of the Bolshevik Revolution on Ukrainian society. Applebaum highlights the Ukrainian national identity and the resistance it posed to Soviet rule, which led to the Soviet leadership's increasing hostility towards Ukraine.

Applebaum then explores the implementation of Stalin's agricultural policies, particularly the forced collectivization of farms. She describes the brutal tactics used to enforce these policies, including the confiscation of grain and livestock, and the deportation and execution of those who resisted. These measures, combined with a series of natural disasters, led to widespread famine in Ukraine.

The Role of Propaganda

Applebaum emphasizes the role of propaganda in shaping the narrative of the famine. She explains how the Soviet government, through censorship and misinformation, denied the existence of the famine and portrayed it as a result of sabotage by wealthy peasants, or kulaks, and foreign agents. The author also discusses the complicity of foreign journalists and intellectuals who, influenced by Soviet propaganda, denied or downplayed the severity of the famine.

Applebaum argues that the denial of the famine was not just a historical distortion but a deliberate act of violence. By denying the existence of the famine, the Soviet government sought to erase the suffering of the Ukrainian people and suppress any form of Ukrainian national identity and resistance.

The Horrors of the Famine

Applebaum vividly portrays the horrors of the famine, drawing on eyewitness accounts and survivor testimonies. She describes the desperate measures taken by Ukrainians to survive, including eating grass, leaves, and even resorting to cannibalism. The author also highlights the psychological impact of the famine, as people were forced to abandon their traditional values and turn against each other in the struggle for survival.

Furthermore, Applebaum discusses the Soviet government's response to the famine, which included sealing off Ukraine's borders to prevent people from leaving and imposing harsh penalties on those attempting to obtain food or aid. She argues that these actions were part of a deliberate strategy to ensure the famine's effectiveness as a tool of terror and control.

The Aftermath and Legacy

In the aftermath of the famine, Applebaum explains how the Soviet government intensified its efforts to suppress Ukrainian national identity, including the mass deportation of Ukrainian intellectuals and cultural figures. She also discusses the long-term impact of the famine on Ukrainian society, including a deep-seated distrust of the Soviet government and a lasting trauma that continues to shape Ukrainian identity.

In conclusion, Red Famine provides a comprehensive and harrowing account of the Ukrainian famine, shedding light on a dark chapter in Soviet history. Applebaum's work serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of totalitarian rule and the importance of acknowledging and remembering historical atrocities.