The Soviet Resettlement Policy and its Implementation in 1945–1953 (on the Materials of Kirov Region)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the soviet resettlement policy and its implementation on the territory of the Kirov Region in 1945–1953. The author defines the content of the resettlement policy, emphasizing the problems of its implementation. The researcher has used various sources of Central and Regional archives: regulations about the Departments of rural resettlement, resolutions and decrees of central and local government bodies, resettlement plans, statistic papers, petitions from citizens, etc. Characteristics of the stages of resettlement process are given: recruitment, selection and registration of settlers; transportation of settlers; reception and employment. The causes of resettlement are highlighted (preferential policies, campaign events, family and personal circumstances, etc.). The article describes the major areas of migration processes during the post-war period: the incorporated territories and the territories that had to be developped (Kaliningrad Region, Sakhalin Region, Karelian Isthmus), as well as the Far East regions (Amur Region, Kamchatka Region, Primorskiy Kray). In 1945–1953 4038 families or 12 315 persons from the Kirov Region were sent as part of the planned rural resettlement (data are incomplete). In conclusion, the effects of the resettlement policy implementation for the donor Region are defined (social and economic, demographic, etc.).