Conquest of October will not give up! (N. Avvakumov., V. Shcheglov)

This is a dynamic and dramatic Soviet propaganda poster from 1941, titled The Conquests of October We Shall Not Give Up!.

What I see:The central focus of the poster is a fierce hand-to-hand combat between two soldiers.

• On the left, a Soviet soldier, identified by his helmet with a red star and his determined, aggressive stance, is overpowering an enemy soldier. He is holding a rifle with bayonet attached, using it to push back his opponent. The soldier is depicted in motion, his cloak billowing behind him, emphasizing the intensity of the struggle.
• On the right, a German soldier, recognizable by his helmet which appears to bear a swastika emblem, is being defeated. His rifle is falling, and he is recoiling from the attack, his arms raised in a defensive or recoiling gesture. He is looking downwards, suggesting defeat.
• In the background, blurred outlines of buildings can be seen, including what appears to be a spire with a star, likely representing Moscow or a significant Soviet landmark.
• At the bottom right, a disabled or overturned tank with swastika symbols is depicted, further reinforcing the context of conflict against Nazi Germany.
• The poster has a stark color palette, dominated by reds and muted earth tones, which are common in Soviet propaganda to evoke strong emotions and a sense of urgency.
• The text is prominent: ЗАВОЕВАНИЙ ОКТЯБРЯ (Conquests of October) is at the top, and НЕ ОТДАДИМ! (We Shall Not Give Up!) is in large, bold red letters at the bottom.

Subtexts:

• Defense of the Revolution: Conquests of October refers to the achievements of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. The poster states that these gains are under threat and must be defended at all costs.
• Resistance Against Fascism: The clear depiction of a German soldier and tank unequivocally identifies the enemy as Nazi Germany. The poster is a call to arms to resist the invasion.
• Determination and Victory: The phrase We Shall Not Give Up! conveys unwavering resolve and defiance. The victorious pose of the Soviet soldier and the defeated German soldier symbolize the anticipated or desired outcome of the struggle – Soviet victory.
• Patriotism and Sacrifice: The imagery of soldiers fighting for their land and the ideals of their revolution is meant to inspire patriotism and a willingness to sacrifice for the motherland.
• Historical Continuity: By invoking the Conquests of October, the poster links the current struggle to the foundational moment of Soviet statehood, suggesting that defending the Soviet Union in 1941 is a continuation of the fight for the ideals of the revolution.

Overall, the poster is a powerful piece of wartime propaganda designed to rally the Soviet populace, instill courage, and emphasize the existential threat posed by the Nazi invasion while assuring them of their resolve to defend their revolutionary gains.