The problems of Economic Development of the Cities of the Russian Province in 1941-1945 (on the Materials of the Lower Volga Region)

Abstract

The study, based on a comprehensive analysis of archival documents, focuses on the peculiarities of the economic development of the Lower Volga region towns in the extreme conditions of the Great Patriotic War. The authorsexamine the problems of supplying the region's inhabitants with food and basic necessities, organisation of medical, housing and communal, as well as cultural and consumer services. Particular attention is devoted to the military daily routine of the residents of Stalingrad during the military operations in the city. The paper also shows the features of the industrial development of the region during the war period. The authorsanalyse the difficulties and shortcomings that arose in the work of local authorities of the Lower Volga region while solving everyday problems and providing social assistance to the inhabitants of the region. The authors conclude that such measures were quite effective and, despite the shortcomings and difficulties, allowed to ensure social stability in the region. The study was carried out on the basis of archival documents that are first time used for scientific purposesand have not yet been the object of historical analysis.