Review of the monograph: Shirokov G.A. War years of Kuibyshev region: 1941–1945: monograph. V.I. Dorofeev, O.N. Soldatova (Eds.). Samara: OOO «Nauchno-tekhnicheskii tsentr», 2022, 336 p.

Abstract

The review analyses the main problems reflected in the generalizing study by G.A. Shirokov. Relying on a diverse corpus of archival and published documentary sources, periodicals, statistical materials, as well as scientific literature on the problem under study, the author distinguishes two stages in the development of the Kuibyshev region. He presents a reconstruction of the mobilization measures carried out during the first stage (1941–1942). The author reconstructs the process of formation of new branches of regional economy on the basis of industrial equipment of evacuated factories, shows the restructuring of industrial production, which led to the formation of diversified economic potential of the region. Factors that had a negative impact on the development of agricultural production are revealed. New materials are given about labour everyday life and adaptation of the population to the conditions of the war years. Characterizing the second stage (1943–1945), the author provides information on measures to introduce new technologies and conveyors at industrial enterprises, to provide qualified workers and employees, to develop agriculture and transport infrastructure. The monograph focuses on the development of health care, public education and higher education, shows social and political life of the population during the Great Patriotic War. The central problem of the monograph is the labour feat of the population of Kuibyshev region, which ensured the unity of the front and rear and the victory in May 1945.

Keywords

• great patriotic war
• kuibyshev region
• evacuation of enterprises and population
• mobilization measures
• military industrial complex
• evolution of economic sectors
• agriculture
• transport
• socio-cultural sphere
• social and political life