Origins & Early Life

Semyon Konstantinovich Timoshenko (18 February [O.S. 6 February] 1895 – 31 March 1970) was a Soviet military commander, Marshal of the Soviet Union, and one of the most prominent Red Army commanders during the Second World War. Born to a Ukrainian family in Bessarabia, Timoshenko was drafted into the Imperial Russian Army and saw action in the First World War as a cavalryman. On the outbreak of the 1917 Russian Revolution he joined the Red Army.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He served with distinction during the Russian Civil War of 1917 to 1922 and the subsequent Polish–Soviet War of 1919 to 1921, which brought him into Vladimir Lenin's and Joseph Stalin's favour. Rapidly rising through the ranks, Timoshenko held several regional commands throughout the 1930s and survived the Great Purge of 1936 to 1938. He led the Ukrainian Front during the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939. In early 1940, Timoshenko took over the command of Soviet troops in the Winter War in Finland from Kliment Voroshilov and turned the tide for the Red Army. In May 1940, he was named a Marshal of the Soviet Union and the People's Commissar for Defence.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the latter capacity, he took steps to modernise the Red Army and to prepare for a likely...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Anna Freud — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Pioneering psychoanalyst known for child psychology and ego theory.
• Arthur Cayley — Contemporary (Died in 1895) (1895): Pioneering English mathematician, instrumental in founding modern algebra and group theory.
• B. H. Liddell Hart — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Influential British military theorist advocating the 'indirect approach' in warfare.
• Abraham Maslow — Contemporary (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Alan Shearer — Contemporary (Born in 1970) (1970): English football legend, record goalscorer, and respected pundit.
• Allen Lane — Contemporary (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering British publisher who founded Penguin Books, bringing literature to the masses.
• Adam Weishaupt — Shared historical date (02-06 · Born) (1748): German philosopher, founder of the Bavarian Illuminati, and legal scholar.
• Aldus Manutius — Shared historical date (02-06 · Died) (1515): Pioneering printer and humanist who founded the influential Aldine Press.
• Al Gore — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1948): American politician, businessman, and leading voice on environmental issues.
• Arthur D. Levinson — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1950): Prominent American businessman, former CEO of Genentech, and board member for Apple Inc.
• 1895 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1895
• February 6 (02-06) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 6
• 1970 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1970
• March 31 (03-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 31