Evaluate the role of nationalism, as a contributing factor to Russia's success in the Great Patriotic War

The role of nationalism was integral for Russia, in order for them to have success in the Great Patriotic War. If it wasn't for the "cult of personality" surrounding Stalin, Russia would have failed to gain support to fight off the German attacks. The German blitzkrieg, known as Operation Barbarossa, nearly succeeded in breaking the Soviet Union in the months that followed. Caught unprepared, the Soviet forces lost whole armies and vast quantities of equipment …

…motivated by a fierce nationalism which was directed against both German and Soviet forces. Traditional values were re-established in the army - i.e. the issuing of Patriotic medals, removal of political commissars, increased privileges for officers. Nationalism was one of the main reasons as to why Russia was successful in the Great Patriotic War. Without the great patriotism shown towards Russia and Stalin, there is no doubt that Russia would of crumbled and fell.