The Yalta Conference begins

A decree abolished the Kalmyk Autonomous Republic and ordered the expulsion of the Kalmyk population to Siberia and Central Asia. The state used collective accusations of collaboration to punish a...

NKVD forces began mass deportation of Chechens and Ingush to Central Asia under collective accusations of collaboration. People were forced from their homes in winter; many died during removal and...

The NKVD deported the Balkar population from the North Caucasus to Central Asia and Siberia and abolished the Kabardino-Balkar autonomous arrangement. The date coincided with International Women’s...

The Soviet government deported the Crimean Tatar population to Central Asia, citing collective collaboration. Families were removed at gunpoint, with many deaths during deportation and exile; the...

Soviet authorities removed Meskhetian Turks and several other borderland communities from southern Georgia to Central Asia. The state cited security concerns and alleged collaboration, but the...

The meeting near Torgau symbolized the closing encirclement of Nazi Germany by Allied armies. Soviet and U.S. soldiers celebrated their linkup, even as their governments were already bargaining over...

The parade celebrated the Red Army’s victory and projected Stalin’s authority through a carefully staged public spectacle. It honored immense popular sacrifice while centering the state and military...

The Allied leaders discussed occupation of Germany, postwar borders, and Eastern Europe. U.S. diplomatic records reveal sharp disagreement over elections and political control in countries occupied by...

The USSR entered the war against Japan after the European war had ended, in line with commitments made to its Allies. The declaration opened a Soviet campaign in Northeast Asia and aimed to secure...

The Red Army attacked Japanese forces in Manchuria, Korea, and surrounding territories. The swift campaign helped bring about Japan’s surrender and expanded Soviet influence in Northeast Asia, while...