Between the czar and Hitler – The forgotten story of the White Army | DW Documentary
The Russian Civil War was one of the 20th century’s bloodiest chapters. The fight for Russia between Lenin’s Red Army and the White Army was ruthless. Its legacy can be felt in Europe to this day.
Nestled in the Alps in Austrian East Tyrol, a cemetery bears witness to a dark chapter in European history. In 1945, following 27 years of war, flight and survival, the White Army’s long journey came to a tragic end there.
Russia, 1917: Czar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate, bringing 300 years of Romanov rule to an end. Lenin and his wife, Nadezhda Krupskaya, returned from exile in Switzerland determined to reshape the country according to their vision. But alongside the Bolsheviks, Lenin’s radical communist followers, another force emerged to claim Russia: The White Army.
The White Army was made up largely of generals and officers from the former czarist armed forces, who openly opposed the Communists. Women were also among its ranks — including Maria Bochkareva, who commanded the famous Women’s Battalion of the White Army. Until 1922, the Red and White armies waged a brutal struggle for the control of Russia.
After its defeat, the White Army fled to the Balkans, while many other supporters of the czar scattered across Europe. Paris filled with Russians driven into exile. Former princesses often made their living as art models — they saw no future in a country ruled by the Red Army.
When Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, former White Army soldiers saw another chance to fight the hated Bolsheviks. Many openly sympathized with Nazi Germany, viewing it as a defense against Stalin.
By the end of World War II, the White Army was left confronting its own ruined hopes for a Russia liberated from Bolshevik rule.
This documentary traces the history of the White Army and explores a little-known chapter of European history — one that spans revolution, exile and political radicalization.
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Video “Between the czar and Hitler – The forgotten story of the White Army | DW Documentary” was uploaded on 10/23/2026 by DW Documentary Youtube channel.