Archangel The American War with Russia - A Deep Dive Review

by John Cudahy (Author)

Updated at: 03/03/2025

John Cudahy's Archangel: The American War with Russia offers a gripping firsthand account of the little-known Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War (1918-1919). Serving in the expeditionary force, Cudahy vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by American soldiers alongside their British and French counterparts in the Arctic. Beyond the physical challenges of extreme cold and disease, he exposes the strategic confusion and lack of clear objectives that plagued the mission to support anti-Bolshevik forces. Cudahy's narrative transcends a simple battle chronicle, critically examining the political motivations behind the intervention and questioning its ultimate cost in human lives and wasted resources against the backdrop of burgeoning Soviet power.

3.8 / 19 ratings

Review Archangel The American War with Russia

"Archangel: The American War with Russia" by John Cudahy completely captivated me. As a WWII history buff, I'm always eager to explore lesser-known conflicts, and this one was a genuine revelation. I'd never heard of the Allied intervention in North Russia at the end of WWI – the Polar Bear Expedition – and Cudahy's firsthand account brought this forgotten chapter of history vividly to life. The sheer audacity of sending troops from the Northern States reserves to fight the Bolsheviks in the harsh Arctic conditions is astonishing. It's a testament to the courage and resilience of these soldiers, and the book doesn't shy away from portraying the brutal realities they faced.

Cudahy's writing style, as some reviewers have noted, is a bit flowery and verbose. While it might initially feel a little distracting, I found it ultimately added to the immersive quality of the narrative. His prose paints a striking picture of the unforgiving landscape, the constant threat of the Bolsheviks, and the gnawing uncertainty of the mission itself. The soldiers' struggles with extreme cold, disease, and the lack of a clear, overarching objective are powerfully conveyed, offering a deeply personal perspective on the human cost of this ill-conceived intervention.

The book's strength lies not only in its detailed description of the day-to-day experiences of the soldiers but also in its insightful critique of the political and military decisions that led to the expedition. Cudahy doesn't shy away from questioning the wisdom of the intervention, its questionable strategic goals, and the significant loss of life and resources it entailed. He masterfully places the expedition within the broader geopolitical context of the time, highlighting the complex tensions between the Allied powers and the nascent Soviet regime. Reading this, I couldn't help but draw parallels to other ill-fated American military interventions, reinforcing the book's enduring relevance. The lessons learned (or perhaps, unlearned) from Archangel resonate powerfully with the events of the 20th and 21st centuries, prompting reflection on the consequences of poorly planned and executed military engagements.

While the poor quality of the maps is a valid criticism – and something that could certainly be improved in future editions – it didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment. The narrative itself is so compelling that it carries the reader along, even without perfectly clear cartographic support. Ultimately, "Archangel" is a valuable contribution to historical literature, offering a rare and insightful perspective on a largely forgotten conflict. It's a book that deserves to be widely read and remembered, reminding us of the importance of understanding the past to better inform our present and future. It certainly left a lasting impression on me.