Why did American troops fight in the bitter Russian cold in 1918?

History · Published 4 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While much of the world focused on the end of the Great War, a different conflict was unfolding in Russia. This video examines the 1918 'Polar Bear' Expedition, where United States soldiers faced extreme conditions during the Russian Civil War.

The expedition took place amidst the chaos of the Russian Civil War, a conflict that involved troops from thirteen different nations. Even after the fighting in Europe had ceased, American forces remained engaged in the struggle, enduring the harsh Russian winter.

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