No More Learning

In October, 1943, a tripartite conference of the foreign min-
isters of Soviet Russia, Great Britain, and the United States was
held in Moscow. The conference resulted in a joint declaration,
in which the Chinese government also concurred, for unity in
the prosecution of the war and united action for post-war or-
ganization and maintenance of peace and security. A month
later, President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill and Premier
Stalin met at Teheran, capital of Iran. A declaration following
this conference stated again that the three nations should co-
operate in the war and in the peace to follow.
The Communist International, or Comintern, organized in
1919 for the purpose of uniting all workers of the world in a
revolutionary movement to achieve a classless society, proved a
handicap to the Soviets in their foreign relations. Under Stalin's
leadership, the emphasis has been focused upon the development
of socialism within the Soviet Union; and the Comintern official-
ly ceased to exist in May, 1943.
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? 7* MEET THE SOVIET RUSSIANS
D. What of the Future?
The Declaration of the United Nations of January 1, 1942, the
Moscow Conference of October, 1943, and the Conference at
Teheran of November, 1943, promise continuance of collabora-
tion between the Soviet Union and the western democracies.
Reconstruction, rehabilitation of her devastated lands, and
resumption of development of her internal economy will be pri-
mary aims of the U. S. S. R. in the period immediately following
the war. The attainment of these objectives will require inter-
national cooperation for peace and trade. The Soviets will need
further importation from America and other countries of ma-
chinery, machine tools, railway and mining equipment, and
additional services of chemists, builders, and skilled machine
workers; they themselves will sell furs, platinum, manganese and
other products. In the achievement of world peace, world trade,
and collective security, the Soviet Union, with the other United
Nations, is pledged to play a vital role.
When considering the future of American-Soviet relations,
a glance backward may have many useful implications. A his-
torical survey of Russo-American relations previous to the
Bolshevik Revolution reveals many instances of cooperation
between the two countries and many times when mutual benefit
was derived from pursuing a common course of action. Even
though the American and Russian systems of government dif-
fered fundamentally, cooperation was possible and profitable.
Differences in political systems, therefore, do not bar the way to
cooperation.
There are, in fact, several factors which should tend to create
common bonds between the United States and the Soviet Union.
They are the only two great powers in the world which have
direct two-way traffic across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In
the vicinity of the Bering Strait, they are neighbors, with pos-
sessions at one place about three miles apart. Both countries
had their origins in revolutions; both have large-scale social and
economic problems, and they have a similar pioneer heritage.
Optimism, the ideal of the abundant life, and a reliance upon
scientific methods and machine techniques are common to both
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? MEET THE SOVIET RUSSIANS 73
countries. Of prime importance is the fact that the international
aims and ideals of the two countries are in agreement in up-
holding world peace as a goal. Since, when the present war
ends, the United States and the Soviet Union will remain two
of the most powerful and influential nations on earth, the
future of world peace depends in large measure upon the extent
to which the peoples of the two nations can work together in
harmony in the difficult days and years ahead.
References on Foreign Policy:
Dallin, David J. , Soviet Russia's Foreign Policy, 1939-1942.
Dulles, Foster Rhea, The Road to Teheran.
Fischer, Louis, The Soviets and World Affairs.
Vernadsky, George, A History of Russia.
Some Suggested Activities on Foreign Policy:
1. In 1807, Alexander I signed a friendship pact with Napoleon; five years
later, Napoleon invaded Russian soil; in 1939, Stalin signed a non-
aggression pact with Hitler; in 1941 Hitler invaded the U. S. S. R. Many
people have noted an interesting parallel in these two situations. Read
about both; then, using the title "Does History Repeat Itself? " write
a summary of your findings. Be sure to describe the circumstances lead-
ing up to the agreements, and the immediate, as well as the ultimate,
results. See Vernadsky, History of Russia.
2. In connection with the parallel suggested in (1), can you picture the
modern representatives of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia signing the
1941 non-aggression pact, mutually distrustful, with the shadows of their
1807 predecessors over them? Could you draw a cartoon to represent
this situation? (Suggestion: see cartoon depicted in Vera M. Dean's
Russia at War, Foreign Policy Headline Book, p. 69. )
3. From material in the classroom or public library, obtain as complete
and up-to-date statistics as possible regarding United States Lend-
Lease to the U. S. S. R. , to Britain, and to China. Make a bar graph,
or other chart, depicting clearly the comparative amounts of Lend-
Lease aid to these three Allies.
4. Write to the American Russian Institute, 58' Park Avenue, New York
City, and ask, for information as to the total cost of the war in dollars
to the U. S. S. R. in 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944. Make a chart showing the
comparison of United States Lend-Lease aid to the total cost of the war
to the U. S. S. R.
5. On a world map entitled "Possible International Trade--1950" indi-
cate, by means of symbols and arrows, the products and the direc-
tion of possible exchange between the U. S. S. R. and the U. S. A. Indicate
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? 74 MEET THE SOVIET RUSSIANS
methods and possible routes of transportation. (Suggestion: see "The
Future of American-Soviet Trade Relations" by E. C. Ropes in the
book, The US. S. R. in Reconstruction; also the article "To Bridge the
Gulf Between the U. S. and Russia," by Eric Johnston, Readers Digest,
August, 1944. )
6. Using the references in (5), above, prepare an oral report on the
possibilities of post-war trade with the U. S. S. R.
7. The Communist International proved a handicap to the Soviet Union
in its foreign relations. Look up the story of this organization and
determine why it was found to be a real disadvantage to the
U. S. S. R. With a committee of three other members of the class, pre-
pare a radio interview in which you act as Stalin, and the others as
questioners. The scripts, by means of questions and answers, should
explain the origin and purposes of the Communist International, some
of its activities, and the reasons for its official ending. References:
Vernadsky, A History of Russia; Dean, Vera, Rusia at War.
8. During the present war, Japanese boats, manned by Japanese- sailors,
are guiding American ships laden with Lend-Lease supplies for the
U. S. S. R. , safely into the Soviet port of Vladivostok. How can this
situation exist, when the supplies are to be used against Japan's ally,
Germany?
Write answers to the following questions:
a. Under what agreement is this activity carried on?
b. What are the advantages and disadvantages in 1944 of the
existing relationship between Japan and the U. S. S. R. ?
c. How could the U. S. S. R. , at peace with Japan (with whom the
United States was at war) and the United States, at peace with
Finland (with whom the U. S. S. R. was at war), sign a common
declaration in regard to the carrying on of World War II in
January, 1944? References: Dallin, Soviet Russia's Foreign
Policy, 1939-1942, pp. 391-393-
9. Choose one of the following historic events in the history of relations
between the United States and Russia, and write as thorough and
interesting a report as you can, being sure that it covers the follow-
ing points:
a. What was the feeling of each country toward the other, and
in what ways was it shown?
b. Why did each country feel and act as it did at the time of:
1. the American Revolution when Catherine the Great was
ruler of Russia.
2. the attempt of the United States through its first envoy
to Russia, Francis Dana of Massachusetts, to obtain
recognition of the young republic at the court of the
Tsars.
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? MEET THE SOVIET RUSSIANS 75
3. the 26-year period from 1783-1809 when the United States
endeavored to obtain formal recognition by Russia.
4. the freedom of the seas issue during the Napoleonic Wars.
5. the War of 1812.
6. the Crimean War, 1856.
7. the American Civil War, 1861-1865.
8. the purchase of Alaska, 1867.
9. the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905.
References: Dulles, Foster R. , The Road to Teheran, Chapter I, "The
Common Cause" and subsequent chapters regarding special events;
Vernadsky, A History of Russia.
Some Suggestions for General Activities:
1. Read Irina Skariatina's The First To Go Back to get a picture of
Soviet Russia through the eyes of one who had lived in Tsarist Russia.
If you would like to read a book on the pre-revolutionary era, read
Grand Duchess Marie's Education of a Princess.
9. Display on the bulletin board striking headlines, book jackets, cartoons,
maps, and pictures related to each major phase of the topics of study
about the U. S. S. R.
3. Find some story on Russia in the daily press which has some significance
for an important aspect of Soviet life. Discuss the implications of it.
4. Lewis Gannett says, "It is not a pretty fact, but it is a fact, that no
reports of Soviet factories, kindergartens, or any of the Soviets' 'social'
advances have aroused a tithe of the sympathy in America which has
been stirred by the indisputable achievements of Russia's Red Army. "
As preparation for a class discussion, read Walter Duranty's USSR,
pp. 122-123, wherein he examines the reasons for American anti-
Soviet prejudices.
5. Collect from two or more newspapers for a period of one week as
many cartoons as you can depicting the Soviet Union. Turn these over
to a committee to decide the type of appeal that each makes. From
this analysis, list the main arguments being used, making sure to draw
up separate lists for opposing points of view. You may wish to arrange
a showing of these cartoons, and to present a report to the class.
6.
If you are interested in a book about Russia at the height of the German
attack, read Erskine Caldwell's book, All Out on the Road to Smolensk.
The description of a tank battle is one you will be likely to remember.
Write a few paragraphs telling why you would or would not recom-
mend this book to your classmates.
7. Arrange for some able person who has visited Russia to meet with
the class. Explain to him that you will not expect him to make a
formal address, but that you would like to ask him some questions
on things he observed in the Soviet Union.
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? MEET THE SOVIET RUSSIANS
Make a poster illustrating what you consider to be the outstanding
features of the U. S. S. R.
Read Walter Duranty's USSR, pp. 53-64, on the "Hostile Circle. " Pre-
pare to discuss this chapter in class, considering particularly the impli-
cations for us today.
Trace the relations between Russia and the United States from 1724
to 1944. Write a paper describing these relations, and discussing the
outlook for American-Soviet relations in the future. (For reference,
see Vernadsky, History of Russia, and Davies, Mission to Moscow; also
last two chapters in Williams, The Russians. )
Book Review.
a. Choose, for a review, one of the books suggested in the student
list. As you read, note carefully any incidents which reveal
interesting things about Soviet life today.
b. Write a book review including these items:
(1) Two incidents showing interesting aspects of Soviet life,
(*) Values of the book in helping you to understand the
Soviet Union.
Throughout the study of the Soviet Union, it is suggested that appre-
ciation of many geographic and historic similarities, comparisons and
parallels between Russia and the United States, based upon fact, and
non-controversial, may be developed through activities. A few sugges-
tions of subject matter for such activities are:
Geography:
Size and location: the U. S. A. and the U. S. S. R. unusually large
countries, both with coastlines allowing for Atlantic and Pacific
shipping.
Resources: vast natural resources; items to be imported, or arti-
fically developed, similar.
Climate: unusual variations in climate in both countries.
Peoples:
Large numbers of nationalities, races and religions among the
peoples of the U. S. A. and the UJS. S. R.
History:
Peaceful relations with Russia throughout America's entire history.
Friendly acts of Russia toward America during the American
Revolution.
The interesting parallel between the fact that in the early years
of American national existence, Russia was the last of the great
powers to recognize the new revolutionary government, and a
century and a half later, America was the last great power to
recognize the new revolutionary government of Russia.
Mutual viewpoint concerning freedom of the seas during Napo-
leonic Wars.
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? MEET THE SOVIET RUSSIANS 77
American refusal to join in intervention against Russia during the
Crimean War.
Moral support of Russia during American Civil War.
The emancipation of the Russian serfs in 1863 and freeing of
Negro slaves in America, 1865.
Circumstances surrounding the purchase of Alaska by the United
States in 1867.
The westward movement in America; the eastward movement in
Russia.
American famine relief to Russia in early twentieth century and
in 1920's.
The following references are suggested:
Dulles, Foster R. , The Road to Teheran, Chapter I, "The Common
Cause. "
Pares, Bernard, Russia and the Peace, Chapter XIX, "Russia and
America. "
Sorokin, Pitirim A. , Russia and the United States.
Schuman, Frederick Lewis, American Policy Toward Russia Since 191J,
Chapter I, "The Tradition of Russian-American Friendship. "
Selected Annotated Bibliography
Although, at present, text materials on the Soviet Union for
school use are limited, reading matter on the subject is extensive
and constantly growing. The following book list is necessarily
merely suggestive.
Objectivity in writing concerning Soviet Russia is not easy of
achievement; all authors, it may be understood, are expressing a
point of view. Because of changing conditions in the Soviet
Union, dates of publication are of special significance.
Book titles preceded by a "T" are recommended for teachers.
An "S" indicates books which may be used with profit both by
students and teachers. Books marked "T*" are suitable for the
use of both teachers and mature students.
T* Anderson, Paul B. , People, Church and State in Modern Russia, Mac-
millan Co. , N. Y. 1944.
An examination of the status of religion, stressing the viewpoint
of the Orthodox Church. A well-written, useful reference.
S Bourke-White, Margaret, Eyes on Russia, Simon and Schuster, N. Y. ,
Interesting narrative, accompanied by pictures taken during a
trip in the summer of 1930. Shows industrial progress.
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S Bourke-White, Margaret, Shooting the Russian War, Simon and
Schuster, N. Y. , 1942.
A description of Russia at war, written in simple, appealing
language. Well illustrated.
S Caldwell, Erskine, All-Out On The Road To Smolensk, Duell, Sloar
and Pearce, N. Y. , 1942.
Excellent account of the German invasion, and the attack or
Moscow.
T Callcott, Mary Stevenson, Russian Justice, Macmillan Co. , N. Y. , 1935.
A well-documented study of the treatment of criminals, and the
Soviet theory of crime.
T* Carroll, Wallace, We're In This With Russia, Houghton Mifflin Co. ,
Boston, 1942.
Impressions of a correspondent on the basis of experiences in the
Soviet Union, 1939-1941.
T Chamberlin, William Henry, Soviet Russia, Little, Brown and Co. ,
Boston, 1930.
A critical analysis of the history of the Soviet Union on the basis
of seven years' residence in Russia as a journalist.
T , The Russian Enigma, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1943.
An interpretation of the Soviet Union by one who lived there
during the early days of industrialization. Not as objective as
some of Chamberlin's other books.
T* Childs, John L. , and Counts, George S. , America, Russia, and the
Communist Party, John Day Co. , N. Y. , 1943.
Frank statement of the necessity of post-war collaboration between
the United States and the Soviet Union.
S Cressey, George B. , Asia's Land and Peoples, McGraw-Hill Book Co. ,
Inc. , N. Y. , 1944.
An excellent economic geography. Good maps and illustrations.
Highly recommended.
S Curie, Eve, Journey Among Warriors, Doubleday, Doran and Co. ,
Inc. , N. Y. , 1943.
An intimate picture of the Russian fighting front, as well as de-
scriptions of other fronts. A vivid, readable account.
T Dallin, David J. , Soviet Russia's Foreign Policy, Yale University Press,
New Haven, 1942.
A detailed account of the foreign policy of the Soviet Union from
1939-1942 by one who was a political exile from Russia from
, 1911-1917.
S Davies, Joseph E? Mission to Moscow, Simon and Schuster, N. Y. ,
1942.
The American ambassador to the U. S. S. R. from 1936-1938 gives
extracts from his diary, confidential reports and personal letters
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? MEET THE SOVIET RUSSIANS 79
depicting developments of internal and foreign policy in the
Soviet Union.
Davies, Raymond Arthur and Steiger, Andrew, Soviet Asia, The
Dial Press, N. Y. , 1942.
Excellent account of economic development in Soviet Asia, with
a clear analysis of the importance of Siberia in world affairs.
Dulles, Foster Rhea, Road to Teheran, Princeton University Press,
Princeton, New Jersey, 1944.
The story of American-Russian relations from 1781 to 1943.
Duranty, Walter, USSR, J. B. Lippincott and Co. , N. Y. , 1944.
A readable and objective explanation of events from 1917 through
1943-
Eastman, Max, Artists in Uniform, Alfred A. Knopf, N. Y. , 1934.
A hostile critic of the Soviet Union reviews the status of arts and
letters. , The End of Socialism in Russia, Little, Brown and Co. , Bos-
ton, 1937.
An attempt to show the failure of Marxian Socialism in the
Soviet Union.
Fediaevsky, Vera, and Hill, Patty Smith, Nursery School and Parent
Education in Soviet Russia, E. P. Dutton and Co. , Inc. , N. Y. , 1936.
A detailed description of nursery schools written by one who
helped develop them in the Soviet Union, and edited by an
American educator who has visited nursery schools there.
Felsen, Gregor, Struggle is Our Brother, E. P. Dutton and Co. , Inc. ,
N. Y. , 1943.
An appealing and exciting story of the resistance of Russian
guerillas against the Nazis.
Fischer, Louis, The Soviets in World Affairs, 2 vols. , Jonathan Cape
and Harrison Smith, N.