"The Collapse of American Policy in Russia and Siberia, 1918: March-October" provides a detailed analysis of the United States’ involvement in Russia during the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Russian Civil War. The book focuses on the period from March to October 1918, a critical time when American policy in the region began to unravel amidst the chaos of the Russian collapse into civil conflict.
The work examines the strategic objectives of the U.S. government in sending military and financial support to the anti-Bolshevik forces, known as the White Russians, in their struggle against the Bolshevik Red Army. It explores the challenges faced by American diplomats and military personnel in a volatile environment marked by shifting allegiances, unpredictable conditions, and complex internal Russian politics.
The book highlights the miscalculations, lack of coordination, and shifting priorities that contributed to the failure of American efforts to influence the outcome of the Russian Revolution. It provides insight into the broader context of U.S. foreign policy at the time, including the global impact of World War I and the early efforts of the United States to extend its influence in post-revolutionary Russia.
Drawing on diplomatic correspondence, military reports, and primary sources, "The Collapse of American Policy" offers a critical assessment of the early 20th-century American intervention in Russia. It provides valuable perspectives on the limits of U.S. power, the failure to understand the internal dynamics of Russian politics, and the broader implications for American foreign policy in the years that followed. This book is an essential resource for scholars of Russian history, international relations, and U.S. foreign policy during a pivotal moment in global history.
"The Collapse of American Policy in Russia and Siberia, 1918: March-October":
Detailed Examination of U.S. Intervention in Russia: The book provides a thorough analysis of the United States' military and diplomatic involvement in Russia during the critical period of 1918, focusing on the American response to the Russian Revolution and Civil War.
Focus on Key Period of March to October 1918: The work highlights a specific and pivotal timeframe in which American policy in Russia began to falter, offering a focused exploration of the missteps and challenges faced by U.S. officials during these months.
Analysis of American Support for the White Russians: The book delves into the U.S. decision to support anti-Bolshevik forces (White Russians), analyzing the strategic objectives and the ultimate failure of this policy in the context of the broader civil war.
Insight into Diplomatic and Military Challenges: The author explores the difficulties faced by American diplomats and military personnel in Russia and Siberia, including the lack of coordination, unclear objectives, and misjudgments about the political landscape.
Use of Primary Sources: Drawing on diplomatic cables, military reports, and personal accounts from American officials, the book provides a rich foundation of primary sources to support its analysis of the U.S. intervention in Russia.
Historical Context of World War I: The book situates the American involvement in Russia within the broader context of World War I and the shifting priorities of U.S. foreign policy in the post-war environment.
Critical Reflection on U.S. Foreign Policy: The book offers a critical assessment of the failure of American intervention, providing insights into the limitations of U.S. power and the challenges of engaging in foreign policy in a country undergoing rapid political upheaval.
Impact of Russian Internal Politics on U.S. Strategy: It highlights how American efforts were often out of touch with the complex internal dynamics of Russian politics, particularly the rise of Bolshevism and the deeply fractured nature of the anti-Bolshevik factions.
Long-term Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy: The book discusses the broader consequences of this failed intervention, exploring how the events of 1918 shaped future American foreign policy decisions in Russia and beyond.
Accessible Yet Scholarly: While grounded in rigorous historical research, the book is written in an engaging and accessible style, making it suitable for both scholars and general readers interested in early 20th-century U.S. foreign relations and Russian history.