The Ataman of the Cossacks
Or the "Father of the horsemen"
I imagine him to be a good man
Proud of his heritage
And leader of his people

The wealthier Cossacks
Fought for the White army
Some of the poorer ones
Fought for the Red army

During the Russian Civil War
Their territory was divided up
They were viewed
As a potential threat
To the new regime

During 1919 and 1920
The Bolshevik regime
Killed of deported
300,000 to 500.000 Cossacks

During World War II
Most fought for the Soviet Union

While others sought to
Settle old scores
By collaborating with the Germans