Praskovia (Pasha) Lukianova was a Soviet heroine during WWI. After having gone throw a series of tragic events in her life and throughout the war, she grew into a the strong, independent, and Moscow defending woman that became popular through the war recruiting post “The Motherland Calls You.”
She is further popular for her protaganist character in the film “She Defends the Mother Land.” After hearing that the Nazi had taken over Moscow (and learning her peers believed it) she got quiet upset and gave a passionate speech about Moscow, her love for her country, and how it must be protected.
“If Moscow is taken, how can we keep on living, how can we keep our hears from breaking?”
“Moscow is ours!”
“Our people could never give up what is dearest and most kindred to them!”
She further gets upset with her peers and how they go straight into mourning rather than doing something to “defend” Moscow.
“You started mourning like women, shame on you!”
Pasha started a partisan band to defend her country, drive out invaders, and even capture Nazis. Her story reflects upon the Soviet’s nationalism and desire to win this war against the Nazi. Their struggles and determination were so deeply rooted that their women were becoming some of the strongest supporters and soldiers of the USSR.
Her story can also be used to answer questions of why did they fight or how did they win? Through the poster and short clip we can see how strong Soviet nationalism is. “The Motherland Calls You” is a great comparison to American Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam posters. The idea that your country needs you in the war effort grabs the attention of everyone, including women. Soviets fought with Moscow in mind and that they needed to do whatever possible to defend it.
http://soviethistory.msu.edu/1943-2/women-in-war-films/
October 26, 2015 @ 5:14 pm
As we saw in class, the power of women during WWII was indispensable for the Soviet Union. It is ironic that they were so outspoken in a time when women generally were considered second class citizens. The “Rosie the Riveter” comparison is the perfect analogy for Pasha, and I’m sure there were others in different participating countries during WWII
October 26, 2015 @ 10:00 pm
The film shows the power and strength of Soviet women, especially following Comrade P.’s tragic loss of her husband and child. Her tremendous and patriotic efforts despite (and fueled by) persona loss exemplify the ideal solider, as well as citizen who is resolute in their mission and loyalty to their homeland.
October 27, 2015 @ 12:35 am
It seems like Praskovia Lukianova was very good at drawing on Soviet patriotism and nationalistic pride during the war. She is another clear example of the importance of women during WWII. Despite the view that women were considered less capable than men in battle, Soviet women definitely became an essential component of the war effort – in both morale and battle.
October 27, 2015 @ 12:39 am
Pasha Lukianova is a perfect image for what the Soviet Union was meant to represent. She really is a strong female image that the Soviet Union would be foolish not to emphasize. I would say she’s even a stronger female image than Rosie the Riveter, since she was basically a military leader while Rosie the Riveter only helped build ships. Her story definitely would have been inspirational at the time.
October 27, 2015 @ 2:45 am
I think Chris makes a good point. Powerful as Rosie the Riveter was, Pasha is almost a madonna – representing a besieged and beloved motherland and the resolve to fight to the death to repel the invaders.
October 27, 2015 @ 3:09 am
What a powerful story for the Soviets to rally upon against the Germans. She sort of resembles Joan of Arc in a certain manner. I would agree that Pasha was a military leader just as Joan of Arc was.