The Battle for the Dnieper in World War II: an attempt at a new conceptual vision
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/uhj2019.04.088Keywords:
Battle of the Dnipro, World War II, German-Soviet war, strategic and frontal operations, battle (concept), concept, Ukraine.Abstract
Abstract. The purpose of the study is to outline the main concepts of a new conceptual interpretation of the set of hostilities included in the historiography entitled “Battle of the Dnipro” and based on a much broader understanding of its content, scope, duration, implications and significance for the entire course of the Eastern Front confrontation. The methodology of the studio is based on a combination of general scientific, special and interdisciplinary methods of scientific knowledge, as well as theoretical achievements of leading specialists in military history, military sciences and other scientific fields and disciplines. The authors use a modern terminological apparatus, tested in the world military-historical discourse. Conclusions. The theoretical and methodological matrix on which researchers project the events of World War II is constantly changing and demonstrating the heuristic potential that scientists have to realize. The most armed clash of a global nature in history has revealed new approaches in strategic and operational planning, the management of troops, their personnel, engineering, logistical, health, moral and psychological support, logistics and more. During the World War II, a new understanding of the concept of “battle” as a set of strategic and frontal operations developed. Each of the battles had not only important strategic but also significant military and political results. A special place among them belongs to Battle of the Dnipro. There is an urgent need for a conceptual rethinking of the role and meaning of Battle of the Dnipro, its nature and content, chronological and territorial boundaries. Formed in the USSR official view of the events of the war, including Battle of the Dnipro, was biased – it distorted the essence and significantly “cut” the real content of this battle. Contrary to the established Soviet stereotype, the authors put forward and substantiate the view that the battle for the Red Army had defensive and offensive components and generally lasted more than three years (from the end of June 1941 to the beginning of July 1944). The actual content and scope of Battle of the Dnipro, the number of operations, forces and resources involved, as well as the losses of the parties in it were much greater than usual. Given these circumstances, scientists should formulate an adequate conception of the entire system of battles and operations in the GermanSoviet War, among which Battle of the Dnipro became the largest battleship of World War II.
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