Expert board:

• Scientific Council of RAS on economic history;
• Research and Educational Center «The economic history of Central Russia and the Middle Volga region» of Ogarev Mordovia State University;
• Center of Economic History of  Lomonosov Moscow State University

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ISSN 2409-630X (Print), ISSN 2618-916X (Online)

DOI: 10.15507/2409-630X.065.020.202402.162-167

УДК 94:314.122 «1941/1945»(470.345)

O. I. Mariskin1, V. P. Sapozhnikova2

1, 2 National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University (Saransk, Russia)

1 e-mail: mariskinoi@mail.ru

2 e-mail: victoria.sapozhnikova.01@mail.ru

 

Labor Activity of Children and Adolescents during the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945: the Example of the Republic of Mordovia

 

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes the labor activity of children and adolescents during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. More than 250 thousand people were mobilized from Mordovia to the front. At factories, collective farms and state farms, there was an acute shortage of workers.

Results. The labor shortage was covered by increasing the length of the working day and involving children and adolescents in labor activities. Schoolchildren helped in agriculture, worked in industrial enterprises, collected medicinal herbs, participated in the preparation of products for the front, and performed various household work. In 1941–1943 in the Mordovian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, more than 140 thousand schoolchildren took part in field work. For their work and assistance in the rear, many of them were awarded certificates of honor and gifts. The Timur movement was active and was a characteristic feature of the life of pioneer organizations.

Discussion and Conclusion. Home front workers gave their strength to support the front. Young heroes who worked in agriculture and industry made a worthy contribution to the national cause. Children and teenagers made a feasible contribution to the economy and defense capability of the country during the war, providing the front with everything necessary – food, clothing, equipment.

Keywords: labor activity, children, teenagers, Great Patriotic War, home front, Timur movement.

For citation: Mariskin O. I., Sapozhnikova V. P. Labor Activity of Children and Adolescents during the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945: the Example of the Republic of Mordovia. Ekonomicheskaya istoriya = Russian Journal of Economic History. 2024; 20(2): 162–167. (In Russ.).  DOI: 10.15507/2409-630X.065.020.202402.162-167.

 

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