Student agricultural squads in the European North, 1915–1916

The article explores the formation of student labor squads in the European North, focusing on the Arkhangelsk and Vologda provinces during the First World War. The relevance of this topic stems from the need to examine the history of student squads as a form of the currently popular volunteer movement. The scientific novelty of the study lies in its pioneering use of archival and published sources to detail, for the first time, the creation and operation of student squads as children’s and youth volunteer associations in the northern provinces. The primary objectives of the research are to analyze the legal framework governing the organization and activities of student labor squads, as well as to identify their funding sources, number, size, and management. Additionally, the study examines the participation of these squads in providing assistance to the families of conscripted peasants. Throughout the study, examples of the formation and activities of squads across various educational institutions in the Arkhangelsk and Vologda provinces have been revealed. The article highlights the key features of squad development during 1915–1916 and characterizes their involvement in agricultural work. It also explores the reasons behind the occasionally negative attitudes of rural residents toward the volunteers. Finally, the paper clarifies the essence of student work brigades as a form of volunteer movement that involved providing gratuitous aid to those in need.