Discover the Untold Story of Eastern Europe during World War II

The history of Eastern Europe during World War II holds within it the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of millions of people. This tumultuous period not only shaped the fate of nations but also laid the foundation for the heart of our century. Journey with us as we delve into the untold story of Eastern Europe and how it played a pivotal role in shaping the world as we know it today.

Warsaw: A City Ravaged by Destruction

One cannot discuss the story of Eastern Europe during World War II without mentioning the devastating impact on Warsaw. The capital of Poland, Warsaw, experienced unprecedented destruction, becoming a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the subsequent Warsaw Uprising serve as testaments to the courage of the Polish people in their fight against Nazi occupation. Despite the overwhelming odds, the city and its inhabitants emerged from the ashes to rebuild their lives.

Walking Since Daybreak: A Story of Eastern Europe, World War II, and the Heart of Our Century

by Modris Eksteins(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7637 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Siege of Leningrad: A Test of Endurance

The Siege of Leningrad, now known as Saint Petersburg, was one of the longest and most brutal military operations of the war. The city endured 872 days of blockade and bombardment by German and Finnish forces, resulting in widespread hunger, disease, and death.

However, it was during this time that the people of Leningrad showcased their strength and resilience. The city became a symbol of Soviet resistance against the Nazi invasion and a beacon of hope for the entire nation. The Siege of Leningrad stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people and the triumph of the human will.

Resistance Movements: Heroes Amidst Chaos

Throughout Eastern Europe, underground resistance movements fought against the oppressors, carrying out acts of sabotage, espionage, and providing intelligence to the Allies. These brave individuals risked their lives to protect their communities and preserve the values and freedom that were under threat.

The stories of resistance fighters, such as the Polish Home Army and the Yugoslav Partisans, highlight the audacity and determination of those who refused to accept subjugation. Their sacrifices paved the way for the liberation of Eastern Europe and the eventual collapse of Nazi Germany.

The Yalta Conference: Shaping the Post-War World

The Yalta Conference, held in February 1945, brought together the leaders of the Allied powers - Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin. It was during this historic event that the division of post-war Europe was decided, setting the stage for the Cold War.

Eastern European nations, such as Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, became part of the Soviet sphere of influence, leading to decades of communist rule. The decisions made at Yalta would have far-reaching consequences on the political, social, and economic landscape of the region.

Legacy and Remembrance

The story of Eastern Europe during World War II is one of immense hardship, sacrifice, and resilience. It is a story that must not be forgotten, for it serves as a reminder of the consequences of hatred, tyranny, and the price of freedom.

Today, as we look back, we honor the heroes who fought against injustice and tyranny. We remember the cities that were ravaged and rebuilt, and we pay tribute to the indomitable human spirit that emerged from the darkness of war.

Eastern Europe's story during World War II is a microcosm of the heart of our century, reminding us of the importance of unity, compassion, and the pursuit of peace.

Walking Since Daybreak: A Story of Eastern Europe, World War II, and the Heart of Our Century

by Modris Eksteins(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7637 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

An account of one family’s displacement and the tragic history of twentieth-century Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia: “Deeply moving.” —Los Angeles Times

Winner of the Pearson Prize for Nonfiction

The immense cataclysm of World War II devastated the Baltic republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, sending many of their inhabitants to the ends of the earth. Part history, part autobiography, Walking Since Daybreak tells the tragic story of the Baltic nations before, during, and after the war. Personal stories of the survival or destruction of Modris Eksteins’s family members lend an intimate dimension to this vast narrative of those who have surged back and forth across the lowlands bordering the Baltic Sea. In the tradition of books that redefine our historical understanding, such as Huizinga’s The Waning of the Middle Ages and Burckhardt’s The Renaissance in Italy, Eksteins’s narrative is a haunting portrait of national loss and the struggle of a displaced family caught in the maw of history.

“An authoritative and moving mélange . . . of historical analysis, family legend, and memoir.” —The Boston Globe

“Eksteins has astutely and thrillingly braided together the tortured history of modern Latvia, his own personal story of being born there in 1943 . . . and the fate of his family as they (and countless millions) made their way to and through the refugee camps of postwar Europe.” —The Washington Post Book World

“This unconventional account of the fate of the Baltic nations is also an important reassessment of WWII and its outcome . . . the pivotal character is Eksteins’s maternal great-grandmother Grieta. The tale of this Latvian chambermaid, made pregnant and then rejected by her Baltic-German baron, serves as a mirror of Latvian-German relations over the centuries. In addition, the family history opens up the subject of displacement . . . and the struggle and hope of the immigrant experience.” —Kirkus Reviews