Industrialization of Stalingrad and the Solution of the Housing Problem of the Urban Population

Abstract

Introduction. Meeting the housing needs of the Soviet population during industrialization lagged behind the pace of the construction of industrial enterprises in the country. The Stalingrad population was no exception. The increasing need for housing was due to the intensive growth of the urban population due to the massive influx of peasants to industrial construction sites. The shortage of housing was observed at all Stalingrad enterprises. For its resolution, housing construction began to be carried out in Stalingrad through the efforts of industrial enterprises with the involvement of construction organizations. Methods and materials. The study, based on historical-comparative and historical-descriptive methods, used published documentary materials and sources from the State Archive of the Volgograd region. The information presented is based on these materials. It covers the role of central and local authorities in resolving the housing crisis of the Stalingrad population and the difficulties of Stalingraders with housing issues. Analysis. The article deals with the provisions for housing workers in various large industrial enterprises in Stalingrad; the protocols and letters of the authorities on resolving the housing crisis, identifying the reasons for non-fulfillment of housing construction plans, are analyzed; and it is mentioned about the use of “extra” living space for workers in institutions, red corners, clubs, prayer houses, and churches. According to the decision of local authorities, 10% of the living space in private households was provided to newly arriving workers at enterprises to provide housing. But there was still not enough housing; besides, the living conditions also testified to the severity of the problem. The availability of living space for the urban population, primarily workers, was low; living conditions were unfavorable. Results. Nevertheless, despite the fact that among all the largest industrial cities of the USSR, Stalingrad was distinguished by the lowest provision of living space for urban residents, since the mid-1930s, the average norm of living space per Stalingrad resident has increased, which indicates a weakening of the severity of the housing crisis and an improvement in the lives of Stalingraders.