THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF THE FAMINE OF 1921–1922. IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The article analyzes the events of the early twentieth century, which led to the humanitarian catastrophe of the Kazakh people – the famine of 1921–1922. Political upheavals: two revolutions, a civil war led to an economic crisis. The international situation was tense in view of the fact that the capitalist countries did not recognize the dictatorship of the proletariat, which came to power by force of arms, and announced the construction of a socialist state. Western countries tried in every possible way to support anti–Soviet movements and create an economic blockade. The article discusses the theoretical and methodological foundations for studying the problem of famine in Kazakhstan in 1921–1922. Various points of view on the causes of the food disaster that engulfed 5 out of 7 provinces in Kazakhstan: Orenburg, Aktobe, Ural, Kustanai, Bukeev and Adaevsky districts are considered. Witnesses of the tragedy, including party leaders, as well as scientists were the first to give their assessments of the events. Many of them saw the main reason in weather conditions – jute, drought, crop failure. Others based their conclusions on the effects of the civil war, emphasizing the backwardness of agriculture. A small part of scientists, as the main reason, called the policy of "war communism", the food dictatorship of power.