Evacuation processes in the Upper Volga regions in 1941-1947: social and psychological aspects

Based on archival materials, the migration processes associated with the reception and accommodation of the evacuated population in the largest regions of the Upper Volga region, such as the Gorky region and the Chuvash ASSR, are analyzed. The relevance of the presented topic lies in the fact that the author is one of the first to make an attempt to consider the evacuation process in the Volga region from the standpoint of social history and historical psychology. This approach is actively used by historians in the study of migration processes that took place during the Great Patriotic War in other regions of the USSR (Urals, Siberia). The main difficulties that arose in the resettlement of refugees and the ways to solve them are shown. Documents are being introduced into scientific circulation that have recently been classified. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that the psychological state of a refugee played an important role in the social adaptation at the new place of residence. It is precisely the lack of psychological aid and assistance that caused rejection of new living conditions among part of the evacuated population, hindered the establishment of labor activities, and contributed to the emergence of conflict situations with the local population. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the study and use of the Soviet experience in the evacuation of the population will help in planning evacuation activities in today's time, for example, in the context of Special Defense Forces or other emergencies.