Archangel: The American War with Russia

"Archangel: The American War with Russia" by John Cudahy is a book that sheds light on an often-overlooked part of history, looking at the American involvement in North Russia after World War I. It tells us about the tough times faced by American soldiers fighting against Bolsheviks, exploring why they were there and how they felt about it. The author kicks things off by pointing out misunderstandings about the mission, especially that it was about Vladivostok, and shows how the American soldiers in Archangel were different from the British, struggling with their purpose. The story looks at the pain, confusion, and moral questions that arose during a campaign that seemed unnecessary to many who saw it as butting into someone else's civil war. The beginning sets the tone, suggesting that the American forces will face tough physical tests and also tough ethical choices as the story goes on.