History of the Red Army
(1922-1929)

This section will feature pictures, history, stories, and other facets of Red Army life during the period between 1922 and 1929. Currently we have almost nothing here, but more will be added as time permits.

Red Army Statistics

The years after the Revolution were difficult for the Russian people, and this was also reflected in the size of their military.  Troop strength declined massively as the soldiers returned home to rebuild their devastated homeland.

This worried Soviet leaders who always believed that Western capitalist forces were waiting to invade their country during any weak moment.  Fortunately, the military situation began to improve as the economy improved.  This did not occur fast enough for Soviet officials who saw the global political situation worsen at the end of the decade.

The Red Army also increased the strength of their armored forces and air force.  They signed the Treaty of Rapallo with Germany in 1922 in an effort to make their army more professional.  The first five year plan placed a great degree of emphasis on the building of the Soviet military, but the effects of these developments would not be seen until the early 1930's.

Year

Strength of Armed Forces

1923

610,000

1924

562,000

1928

617,000

  

Return to
From Lenin to Stalin