“The Myth of Elsa Brandström” and its Influence on the History of Prisoners of War of the Countries of the Quadruple Alliance in Russia

During the First World War, prisoners of war from countries Quadruple Alliance were distributed among concentration camps throughout Russian Empire. At first, due to country’s unpreparedness receive such a large number captives, their conditions detention unsatisfactory. Neutral organizations come aid. Elsa Brandstrom, sister mercy Swedish Red Cross, is best known. She was daughter envoy Russia, who distinguished by pro-German views. years, thanks her tireless energy, germanophilia and russophobia, she gained extraordinary popularity in German environment. When civil broke out eastern Brandstrom drove across front line with funds intended help war. After returning homeland, published memoir for charitable purposes, which summarized all experience Contemporaries perceived book as main source on history captivity Russia. Her altruism desire former after created around myth holiness infallibility. Numerous public appearances lectures have strengthened credibility. The lack critical understanding activities publications, well opposition side, gave rise illusion correctness judgments. Ultimately, this led distortion stay To date, foreign historiography has accumulated sufficient volume criticism consider how “Elsa myth” formed what impact it had.