The American Invasion of Russia in 1918


President Woodrow Wilson dispatched 5000 American troops to northern Russia and 8000 troops to Siberia without seeking approval from the US Congress. The Allies wanted to overthrow the new communist government in Russia to restore a monarchy that would renew war with Germany. Moreover, they wanted to crush the idea that workers can oust monarchs and take control of governments.

Even before World War I ended, the Allies found another war. Thousands of Allied troops landed at four areas around Russia to restore the monarchy and crush a populist revolution. The United States sent 8000 soldiers to Siberia, Canada sent 5000, the UK 1500, and Japan 70,000. The plan had little chance for success and troops were lucky to escape in 1920.

In the epic PBS series, The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century, Episode 7: Hatred & Hunger, contains a powerful segment, Intervention, which focuses upon the grueling story of American Sergeant Silver Parish and what he and his men endured in their futile campaign against the “Bolos” in Russia.

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10:44 pm on October 4, 2020