The historian explained the reasons for the parade on Red Square in the fall of 1941

The decision to hold a parade on Red Square on November 7, 1941, was made primarily with the expectation of a psychological effect: it was important to show people that the situation was under control. Evgeny Norin, a military historian, writer, and author of books on military conflicts of the 20th century, told Izvestia about this.

In early November 1941, Moscow was in a state of siege: fierce fighting was taking place on the outskirts of the city, blackout was in effect in the capital, bomb shelters were operating, and residents and troops were preparing for possible defense.

"It was decided to hold the parade primarily for the sake of the psychological state, because the government had to demonstrate, and specifically Stalin, that everything was under control. It was necessary to make it clear to people that the country is fighting, that it has troops, that nothing is lost," he explained.

The historian stressed that the threat of the fall of Moscow in October – early November 1941 was significant.

"There was a moment when the front line was extremely thin, it almost did not exist in many places, when the front collapsed and the Germans surrounded large forces near Vyazma and Bryansk," said Evgeny Norin.

For more information about the preparations for the November 7, 1941 parade, the participants and the significance for the front and rear, see the Izvestia article:

From Red Square directly to the front: on November 7, 1941, a parade of Soviet troops took place in Moscow