Russia Ran Out of Vodka

Russians are well-known for their love of drinking. Their long-standing love with vodka may be traced back to the country's founding. A bottle of the sacred liquid is a necessary item for most households, and no celebration is complete without one. No event in Russian history compares to the Red Army's victory against the German Wehrmacht, the liberation of Berlin, and the Third Reich's eventual surrender to the Allies on May 8th, 1945, a date that is still commemorated in Russia as a holiday known as "Victory Day." On May 8th, 1945, the celebrations of Victory Day were born out of the need to commemorate such an occasion – and the Russians celebrated hard.

The Victory

After years of fighting against the Germans, Victory Day became a reality. The Eastern Front conflict was as terrible for the Red Army as for the occupied areas' civilians. As the Nazis cut their way through the Soviet countryside to the centre of the union, Moscow, crimes against humanity like we had never seen before were committed. With General Georgi Zhukov's Operation Uranus on June 22nd, 1941, the tide was turned. This mission entailed an all-out assault on the overworked Germans, which proved to be a huge success, eventually leading to a final triumph over the Wehrmacht by capturing Berlin, forcing Hitler to commit suicide rather than face the consequences of his actions. With Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz signing a peace deal immediately after the fall of Berlin, the Third Reich came to an end. The news quickly spread throughout Europe. As expected, celebrations erupted over most of the continent, with varying degrees of enthusiasm. None of them could compare to the festivities in Moscow.

The Night

The Soviets had widely anticipated the German surrender. The Soviet Union's populace was drained and at wit's end after more than 20 million people died due to the Reich's wrath. After four years of relentless work, battling, and sacrifice, the victory came at the opportune time to boost the country's spirit. The citizens of Moscow began to drink heavily as a result of the celebrations. Even though the surrender letter arrived on the night of the 8th, the residents of Moscow did not wait to celebrate, coming to the streets in various clothes ranging from pyjamas to formal attire to join their compatriots in celebration. One can only imagine the relief these people felt after years of horror, especially in a city like Moscow, where the Luftwaffe was continually dropping morale and placating the union's industrial potential. The Soviet Union was able to withstand the German onslaught because the people's determination was never shattered.

The Stereotype

Some may argue that Russians' fondness for vodka is a stereotype, yet historical events show that this is not the case. For most of its history, alcohol, primarily vodka, has been a vital part of Russian society. The liquid was a royal monopoly that aided the Tsars of Russia with the ample money they would make from producing and taxing it. Attempts to eliminate this cultural emblem from people's lives throughout the Soviet era were unsuccessful, notably under Brezhnev, who created many anti-alcohol propagandas. After years of advocacy, there was little change in the rate of alcohol consumption. Even when the product was banned for some time, people in the Soviet Union simply made moonshine in their basements, putting a strain on the already ailing Soviet economy, which, like the Tsars of old, relied on the tax revenue generated by the product, eventually leading to the legalisation of alcohol under Gorbachev.

I find it hilarious that a country known for its vodka ran out after a huge celebration. Even now, vodka is regarded as a symbol of Russia. When we consider Russia's history, it's no surprise that towns like Moscow ran out of vodka following such a big event. After so many years of fear, who wouldn't want a drink? If there is a time to drink to health, it is after a war, so glasses up!

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