Rationed food supply to the population of Khakassia during the Great Patriotic war (of 1941–1945)

During the war years, food supply to the population of the rear was one of the most acute problems of the state. In a relatively short period of time, the state and party authorities managed to rebuild the supply system for the population. In extreme conditions, with an acute shortage of resources and a sharp rise in prices, the introduction of the rationed distribution system of food and goods for residents and working villages became a necessary measure. The purpose of the study is to examine the rationed food supply to the population of Khakassia during the Great Patriotic War using the archival materials. The source base of the article is the records of the party funds of the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History, the National Archive of the Republic of Khakassia, and the Archival Department of the Abakan Administration. The research uses the principles of historicism, objectivity, and consistency. In Khakassia, as in other regions of the country, there was a differentiated approach to issuing cards to the population. The rationed products were available only to the cardholder, not to any customer. With the introduction of rationed food supply, food shortages began immediately. Throughout the war, bread was the basis of the card supply of the population. From time to time, the bread supply rates decreased, and delayed deliveries took place along with this. An analysis of archival materials showed that the food shortages were due to deficiencies, miscalculations, negligence, and irresponsibility of local officials, employees of card bureaus, bakeries, and trade organizations. The card supply to local residents was very scarce; but even with an extremely limited range of goods, cards were a guarantee of survival.