What does the Battle of the Windmill in Animal Farm symbolize in real life events? In other words, what event in real life can be tied to the...

The battle represents World War ll, called The Great Patriotic War, but relates to two especially significant battles during the war: the Battle of Stalingrad (23 August 1942 – 2 February 1943) and the Battle of Moscow (October 1941 – January 1942).

During the former, fought on the Eastern Front, Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of Stalingrad. The battle was epitomised by fierce fighting at close quarters and air...

The battle represents World War ll, called The Great Patriotic War, but relates to two especially significant battles during the war: the Battle of Stalingrad (23 August 1942 – 2 February 1943) and the Battle of Moscow (October 1941 – January 1942).

During the former, fought on the Eastern Front, Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of Stalingrad. The battle was epitomised by fierce fighting at close quarters and air raids. It is regarded as one of the bloodiest battles in modern warfare and also the largest. Close to two million were killed in the battle. Both sides suffered heavy losses and the German forces and its allies were forced to withdraw. The battle was, therefore, a victory for the Soviets.

In the second battle, the conditions were quite similar. Both sides suffered heavy losses. The Germans advanced on Moscow and tried to surround the city in a pincer attack by launching two major offences. The Soviets resisted their attacks, however, when they constructed three major defensive belts and by employing many reserve troops and extra soldiers recalled from areas where fighting was not that severe. They stopped the Germans and then launched an offensive of their own. The Germans were forced to retreat.

The destruction of the windmill represents the destruction of what the Soviets had achieved by the time the Second World War began. The two battles nearly devastated both cities and, as already mentioned, heavy losses had been suffered. However, through their resilience and bravery, the Soviets survived these onslaughts, just as the animals did.