MOLOTOV COCKTAIL Meaning and
Definition
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A Molotov cocktail refers to an improvised incendiary device typically consisting of a glass bottle filled with a flammable liquid such as gasoline, accompanied by a fuse made of a cloth soaked in, for example, a substance that can ignite. This menacing tool is often used as a weapon during riots, protests, or acts of civil unrest.
Originating from the World War II era, the Molotov cocktail derived its name from Vyacheslav Molotov, who was the Soviet foreign minister at the time. He created a propaganda campaign, stating that the Soviets were not bombing Finland during the Winter War, but rather were delivering "Molotov bread baskets" to aid the Finnish people. In response, the Finns retaliated by making these incendiary devices as a mocking gesture, calling them "Molotov cocktails."
When ignited, the flammable liquid inside the bottle spreads quickly, catching fire upon impact, thus transforming the glass container into a fiery projectile. Due to their simplicity and availability of ingredients, Molotov cocktails have been widely used in various conflicts and instances of civil unrest around the world.
It is important to note that constructing and using Molotov cocktails is illegal in many jurisdictions due to their extreme danger and destructive capabilities. Handling and deployment of such devices can result in serious injuries or fatalities, in addition to causing extensive property damage.
Common Misspellings for MOLOTOV COCKTAIL
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- molitov cocktail
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- molorov cocktail
Etymology of MOLOTOV COCKTAIL
The term "Molotov cocktail" originated during the Winter War, a military conflict between Finland and the Soviet Union that took place from 1939 to 1940. The term is named after Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, who was the Soviet foreign minister at the time.
During the war, the Soviet Union launched numerous aerial bombing campaigns against Finnish cities. To counter these attacks, the Finnish people created makeshift incendiary devices using bottles filled with flammable liquids and a burning cloth fuse. The Finns humorously referred to these improvised weapons as "Molotov cocktails" as a sarcastic reference to Molotov's false propaganda statements about the Soviet Union's "humanitarian aid" to Finland.
The Finnish resistance fighters used the term to mock Molotov and his denial of the Soviet Union's aggression against Finland. The usage of "Molotov cocktail" quickly caught on and became internationally recognized.
