The Soviet Occupation of Germany : Hunger, Mass Violence and the Struggle for Peace, 1945–1947

This is a major new account of the Soviet occupation of postwar Germany and the beginning of the Cold War. Dr Filip Slaveski shows how in the immediate aftermath of war the Red Army command struggled to contain the violence of soldiers against German civilians and, at the same time, feed and rebuild the country. This task was then assumed by the Soviet Military Administration in Germany (SVAG) which was established to impose order on this chaos. Its attempt, however, intensified the battle for resources and power among competing occupation organs, especially SVAG and the army, which spilled over from threats and sabotage into fighting and shootouts in the streets. At times, such conflicts threatened to paralyse occupation governance, leaving armed troops, liberated POWs and slave labourers free to roam. SVAG's successes in reducing the violence and reconstructing eastern Germany were a remarkable achievement in the chaotic aftermath of war. This Is A New Account Of The Soviet Occupation Of Postwar Germany And The Beginning Of The Cold War. Dr Slaveski Shows How In The Immediate Aftermath Of War The Red Army Command Struggled To Contain The Violence Of Soldiers Against German Civilians And, At The Same Time, Feed And Rebuild The Country. The Explosion Of Violence. The Soviet Advance Into Germany ; Inheriting Wartime Chaos ; Bringing Soldiers To Heel After The War ; Svag-army Conflicts In 'peacetime' ; Suicide, Apathy, Violence ; The Muted German Response To Violence -- The Beginnings Of Peace And Stability. The Struggle To Feed Germany ; The Politics Of Food And Peaceful Protest ; Building The Sed ; The Shift In Policy And End Of Chaos. Filip Slaveski. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.