“Down with illiteracy” society and its role in the eradication of illiteracy in the Orenburg region in the 1920-1930-s

The article explores the role of the “Down with illiteracy” society in eradication of illiteracy in the Orenburg region in the 1920-1930-s. The author considers the contribution of the illiteracy elimination campaign to teaching basic literacy to population of the region. The paper covers features and difficulties of the society in the studied region determined by the insufficient funding and low initiative of its members. It is concluded, that the incompatibility of strict centralization and directive with the public initiative mostly explained the fact of liquidation of the “Down with Illiteracy” society.