The Dark Side of Early Soviet Childhood, 1917-1941: Repressed Children

In the first half of the 20th century, the Civil War and early Soviet food policies left millions of children homeless and starving in Russia, with child mortality rates reaching 95% in certain areas. Boris B. Gorshkov's book investigates the causes of this prolonged homelessness and starvation, the conditions faced by children, and the unsuccessful efforts to solve these issues, highlighting the critical role of the secret police in this story.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the first half of the 20th century, Russia experienced a devastating period of civil war and early Soviet food policies that left millions of children homeless and starving. Child mortality rates reached alarming levels, with some areas reporting rates as high as 95%. These tragic circumstances persisted throughout the 1920s and 1930s, creating a prolonged crisis that affected countless families.

In his book, "The Dark Side of Early Soviet Childhood, 1917-1941," Boris B. Gorshkov delves into the causes of this prolonged homelessness and starvation, the conditions faced by countless children, and the unsuccessful efforts of the state to address these horrendous issues. Gorshkov's research is particularly insightful as he sheds light on the critical role played by the secret police (the VChKa and the NKVD) in this tragic story. He utilizes a wide range of previously unused archival sources to reveal the full extent of the suffering of children in Russia during this period, as well as the interconnected factors that contributed to their plight.

One of the key findings of Gorshkov's book is the devastating impact of the civil war on children. The conflict disrupted families, destroyed homes, and led to widespread displacement. Many children were left without parental care, and those who survived were often forced to fend for themselves in the harsh conditions of war-torn cities. The lack of food, clean water, and medical care resulted in a high mortality rate among children, with diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia claiming many lives.

In addition to the direct effects of the war, the early Soviet food policies also played a significant role in the suffering of children. The collectivization of agriculture, which was implemented in the 1920s, resulted in the destruction of private farms and the redistribution of land to collective farms. This policy led to a decline in agricultural production, as well as a shortage of food supplies. The lack of access to nutritious food and the poor quality of the food that was available contributed to the poor health and nutrition of children, leading to a high mortality rate and a range of health problems.

Gorshkov's book also highlights the inadequate response of the state to the crisis. The government's efforts to address the homelessness and starvation of children were often inadequate, and they were often hindered by political and ideological considerations. The secret police, in particular, played a role in suppressing information about the suffering of children and in preventing aid from reaching those in need. This suppression of information contributed to the perpetuation of the crisis and the denial of the extent of the suffering of children.

Despite the challenges faced by children in Russia during this period, there were also examples of resilience and hope. Many children were able to survive and thrive in the face of adversity, thanks to the support of their families, communities, and sometimes even strangers. There were also organizations and individuals who worked tirelessly to provide aid and support to children, including charities, religious organizations, and grassroots movements.

In conclusion, "The Dark Side of Early Soviet Childhood, 1917-1941" is a powerful and important book that sheds light on a dark chapter in Russian history. Through his meticulous research and analysis, Boris B. Gorshkov provides a comprehensive account of the causes of this prolonged homelessness and starvation, the conditions faced by countless children, and the unsuccessful efforts of the state to address these issues. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and social justice, and it highlights the need for us to learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards creating a better future for all children.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350098671