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From the Tsar's Railway to the Red Army

The Experience of Chinese Labourers in Russia during the First World War and Bolshevik Revolution: Penguin Specials
By Mark O'Neill
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
From the Tsar's Railway to the Red Army by Mark O'Neill delves into the fascinating history of Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway and its significant role in the early 20th century. The book explores how this monumental railway contributed to the rise and fall of empires and influenced military and political events leading up to and during the Russian Revolution. A must-read for history enthusiasts, it offers a captivating look at a pivotal era through the lens of this engineering marvel.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the intricate history of Russia's transformation through pivotal infrastructures and military developments. It offers a deep dive into how the nation's railways and military strategies shaped its identity, perfect for history enthusiasts who relish detailed accounts of societal and political change.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

It is a little-known fact that during the First World War, Russia received the majority of Chinese wartime labourers working overseas. Despite assurances that they would not be involved in the war, thousands of Chinese workers dug trenches and carried ammunition for troops on the Eastern Front under brutal conditions.

Then, in 1917, life for the Chinese worsened with the arrival of the Bolshevik Revolution. Some of the workers signed up to fight for the Red Army, and many were left stranded in Russia, unemployed and destitute. Their plight has been described as the most tragic episode in 400 years of Chinese emigration.

The men had crossed the border into Russia with dreams of earning enough money to build a house or business for their family at home. None could have imagined the hell that awaited them.

From the Tsar's Railway to the Red Army by Mark O'Neill unveils this harrowing journey and the untold saga of these Chinese labourers who found themselves caught in the turbulence of war and revolution.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780734310477

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 August 2014

Country: Australia

Imprint: Viking Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 112.0mm

Height: 180.0mm

Weight: 69g

Pages: 98

Collections

Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Mark O'Neill Military History Non-Fiction Penguin Books Russian & Soviet History

About the Author

Mark O'Neill has been a journalist in Asia since 1978, working for Reuters and the South China Morning Post. His books include Tzu Chi- Serving with Compassion, on the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, and Frederick- The Life of My Missionary Grandfather in Manchuria. He currently works as an author, journalist and lecturer in Hong Kong.

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