Part 2/14:
The narrative surrounding Soviet military discipline during World War II has often been clouded by myths, propagandistic portrayals, and misrepresentations. Popular media, like the film Enemy at the Gates, depict the Red Army as a brutal, indiscriminately murderous force, emphasizing ruthless orders such as Order No. 227—the so-called “Not one step back!” directive. However, a closer examination of historical facts, sources, and context reveals a far more nuanced picture. This article aims to separate myth from fact, outlining the origins, purposes, and consequences of Order No. 227, and how it was intertwined with the dire circumstances faced by the Soviet Union in 1942.