To Moscow! Hoh! From Moscow: Oh! (Denis V.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The cartoon depicts a two-panel narrative about the German invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II, specifically the Operation Barbarossa campaign.
In the left panel, a caricatured Nazi soldier, identifiable by his uniform and swastika armband, is depicted with exaggerated features, including a long nose and ears. He is triumphantly marching forward, beating a large drum inscribed with МОЛНИЕНОСНАЯ ВОЙНА (Moltenyosnaya Voyna), which translates to Blitzkrieg or Lightning War. The Russian text above him reads на Москву! Хох! (Na Moskvu! Khokh!), meaning To Moscow! Hooray! This panel symbolizes the initial German confidence and aggressive advance towards Moscow, expecting a swift victory through their Blitzkrieg strategy. The Hoar! (Хох!) sound is meant to express enthusiasm and victory.
The right panel contrasts sharply with the first. The same Nazi soldier is shown recoiling in pain and shock, with the drum now crashing down on his head, breaking apart. His uniform appears disheveled, and his hat is flying off. The Russian text above him reads от Москвы: ОХ! (Ot Moskvy: Okh!), meaning From Moscow: Oh! The Oh! reflects pain and dismay, a stark shift from the earlier exultation. This panel signifies the failure of the German offensive to capture Moscow during their initial push in the winter of 1941-1942. The unexpected and fierce Soviet resistance, coupled with the harsh Russian winter, proved devastating to the German war machine.
The subtext of the cartoon is a powerful anti-Nazi propaganda message. It mocks the German ambition and overconfidence, portraying their invasion of Moscow as a costly and ultimately unsuccessful endeavor. The Blitzkrieg is shown to be ineffective against the resilience of the Soviet Union and the harsh realities of the Eastern Front. The cartoon highlights the turning point of the war, where the initial German success turned into a disastrous setback, foreshadowing their eventual defeat. The use of onomatopoeia like Hoar! and Oh! effectively conveys the shift in the psychological and military situation.