Modernization of Kuban Economy in Late 1920s — 1930s

Abstract

The study examines the processes of development of the Kuban region’s industry and its production problems, which were addressed during the first five-year plans. The study presents the results of a comparative analysis of the industrial potential of the Kuban districts, and raises questions about their identification parameters, including directions of development, reconstruction processes, and outcomes. The study demonstrates that the main factors driving the growth of the region’s industry and the development of new sectors are the use of agricultural resources and their processing, expansion of fuel resources and construction materials, reconstruction, and improvements in technical equipment of enterprises. Special attention is given to the production growth and increased economic status of individual large factories and plants. The novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of industrial sector development in Kuban and their relationships, production growth, and realization of potential for the most significant enterprises in the context of modernization tasks during the first five-year plans. It is noted that four Kuban districts had traditionally played an important role in the economy, possessing a large raw material base specific to each district. The study shows that during the 1920s-1930s period, Kuban witnessed an increase in industrial production output, establishment of new industries (chemical, canning, machine-building, etc.), development of natural resources, and creation of a resort zone in the Kuban Black Sea region.