Famine in the Liberated Territory of the Orel Region (1942–1945): Causes, Characteristics, Victims, Measures of Assistance

Aim. Study the nature of the mass famine that arose in 1942–1945 in the Oryol region of the RSFSR.

Methodology. A large number of documents from the regional archive, as well as local history literature on the relevant period, have been analyzed. The following research methods were used: comparative-historical, historical-genetic, historical-systemic, logical.

Results. As a result of the study, the current situation in the Oryol region of the RSFSR in the period 1942-1945 was comprehensively examined, the causes of hunger were determined, the number of victims was revealed and what measures were taken by state and local authorities to help residents of the region.

Research implications. A regional episode of the Great Patriotic War, previously poorly studied and poorly illuminated due to ideological and political reasons, has been studied in detail, the study of which will make it possible to compile a more complete picture of the life of the Oryol region during the Great Patriotic War and the consequences of this war for the civilian population. At the same time, the study allows us to refute a number of historical myths: 1) after liberation from the Nazi invaders, all difficulties ended; 2) the Soviet authorities did not help the affected population in any way, condemning him to death. These studies can be useful to local historians and everyone who studies the Great Patriotic War.

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