Chaos and Identity in the Russian Civil War

This chapter examines the complexities of language and identity among soldiers during the Russian Civil War, focusing on the derogatory nicknames used to refer to enemies. It narrates the bewildering experience of American troops facing Bolshevik forces, highlighting their confusion and lack of preparedness in a foreign conflict. The narrative captures the absurdities of war through personal accounts, the impact of illness, and the dire conditions in Archangel, all while reflecting on deeper themes of race, alliance, and survival.