Agriculture collectivization in the Soviet historiography coverage

The purpose of research is to study the Soviet historiography of the collectivization of agriculture. The author considers the main stages of elucidation of this problem in Soviet historical science. In the 1930s-1950s, the works of historians were almost entirely propaganda in nature, they lacked serious critical analysis. Historians were forced to cover collectivization within the framework of the concept of a short course in the history of the CPSU (b). During the years of the thaw, a process was outlined towards a more balanced and objective analysis of the problem. Scientists began to carefully work with archives, to attract a wider range of sources, to scrupulously examine the material. In historical works, critical conclusions appeared about certain negative aspects of collectivization, called "excesses on the ground." In the 1960s-1980s the trend of critical reflection on the “excesses” during collectivization did not develop further due to the fact that the party leadership during the Brezhnev years tried to hush up the problematic issues of Soviet history. Nevertheless, despite the ideological control of the party, some historians of that time tried to objectively evaluate this topic and managed to objectively sanctify some of the controversial moments of collectivization. Soviet scientists put forward different methodological concepts on some issues there were discussions. In particular, N.I. Ivnitsky expressed doubts about the correctness of the party's refusal to admit entire kulak farms to the collective farms. And although the author was criticized, the very fact of the appearance of such discussions testified to the emerging trend towards an objective consecration of collectivization in Soviet historical science. Soviet historians were able to touch on a wide range of issues. However, in general, the study of the problem of collectivization was predominantly of a superficial ideological nature. Many issues remained behind the scenes. It was only during the years of perestroika that a shift began from traditional coverage of the problem to a more objective one, however, the final rejection of old concepts and ideological views began only after 1991.