National policy of the soviet government on the territory of Nothern Bukovyna and Khotyn region during the first period of sovietization (june 1940 – june 1941)

Abstract

In the twentieth century, Bukovyna experienced a fourfold change of government and came under the rule of totalitarian regimes – first Romanian, then Soviet. The policy of the Soviet regime in the ethnic sphere – forced Russification, mass repression, which was one of the means of Sovietization of Bukovyna which deprived the region of its uniqueness and special spirit. A study shows the national policy of the Soviet government in the first year of the formation of Soviet power. The initial theoretical and methodological foundations of research include consideration concepts of «national policy». The author reveals the reaction of ethnic minorities to the entry of the Red Army on the territory of Northern Bukovyna and Khotyn region on June 28, 1940. It is pointed out that in the initial period of the formation of Soviet power, the Soviet government carried out significant agitation and propaganda, as well as work with ideological education, especially in the initial period, which was replaced by the party and the official government. The author conducts a separate analysis of the features of national policy for each of the national minorities who lived in this area. Therefore, indicating participation in activities related to the delegation of powers; participation in political and socio-political organizations. The article includes not only the positive side of national policy, but also attention to repressive measures, which is a place in the policy of the Soviet government. Repression and mass deportations of the population reduce the consequences for the region, lead to a deterioration of the main demographic indicators of the region.

Keywords

• Sovietization
• Russification
• national schools
• Northern Bukovyna
• Khotyn region