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"The Heroic Defense of Moscow" details the military operations around Moscow between September 30, 1941 and December 5, 1941, during the crucial period of the German invasion of the Soviet Union in World War II.
Published in 1981 by the Znanie Publishing House, the map was created as an educational tool for Soviet students, showcasing the defensive efforts of Soviet forces against the advancing German Army. The map was produced by the Experimental Factory of Visual Aids and compiled by N.I. Kobrin, with artwork by V.P. Strelnikov, editorial supervision by V.V. Titov, and artistic editing by D.V. Orlov.
This map serves as an illustrative teaching tool by providing a detailed visual representation of key Soviet defensive lines and the positions of both Soviet and German forces at various points in time. It shows the progression of the front lines at four critical dates: September 30, October 10, November 14, and December 5 and 6, 1941. The map highlights strategic points, such as the Rzhev-Vyazma defensive line, the Mozhaisk defensive line, and the Moscow defensive zone (MZO). The clear differentiation between Soviet and German movements, with the use of red and blue lines, allows students to follow the changes in the battlefront over time, offering insight into how the Soviet military adapted its defense to counter the German invasion.
The map also includes information on the relative strength of both Soviet and German forces as of September 30, 1941, with key data on personnel, artillery, tanks, and combat aircraft. For example, the Soviet forces in the Western, Bryansk, and Reserve Fronts had 1,250,000 troops compared to the German 1,800,000 troops in Army Group Center. This disparity is further emphasized with statistics showing the ratio of artillery (1:1.8), tanks (1:1.7), and combat aircraft (1:2.0) in favor of the German forces. These comparative figures help students understand the significant challenges faced by Soviet forces and how numerical inferiority did not prevent the eventual Soviet victory.
By showing both the strategic movements and the relative strength of forces, the map functions as a valuable teaching tool, allowing students to grasp the complexities of military operations during one of World War II's most critical campaigns. It also serves to highlight the resilience and eventual success of Soviet forces in defending their capital, underscoring the broader narrative of Soviet heroism and sacrifice during the war.
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