The Soviet period in the history of Kazakhstan covers the time from 1920, when Kazakhstan became part of Soviet Russia, to 1991, when Kazakhstan declared its independence. This period is characterized by significant political, economic, and social changes that had a profound impact on the lives of the Kazakh people and the development of the country as a whole.
Establishment of Soviet Power
After the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia and the Civil War, a power struggle began in Kazakhstan between various political forces. In 1920, Soviet power was established, and Kazakhstan became part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR). The main events of this period include:
Civil War — active hostilities occurred in Kazakhstan between the Reds and the Whites, leading to significant losses among the population.
National Policy — the policy of nationalization began to take shape, contributing to the formation of Kazakh Soviet identity.
Creation of the Kazakh ASSR — in 1920, the Kazakh Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed, which became a full-fledged republic within the USSR in 1936.
Economic Development
In the 1920s and 1930s, the industrialization of Kazakhstan began, marking an important stage in the region's economic development. Key areas of economic development included:
Collectivization — in the late 1920s, a policy of collectivization of agriculture began, leading to the establishment of collective farms and state farms. This process was accompanied by repression and famine.
Industrialization — development of mining, metallurgy, and light industry, particularly in cities such as Karaganda, Almaty, and Ust-Kamenogorsk.
Transport and Infrastructure — the construction of railways and the development of communications contributed to economic growth.
However, despite the successes achieved, mass collectivization led to significant social and economic problems, including the famine of 1932-1933, which resulted in many deaths.
Social Changes
The Soviet period in Kazakhstan was also marked by significant social changes. Among the main aspects:
Education — mass education was implemented, and the number of schools and higher education institutions increased in Kazakhstan, contributing to higher literacy rates.
Healthcare — development of the healthcare system, the establishment of medical institutions, and improvement of sanitary conditions.
Cultural Transformations — support for arts and culture, development of theaters, cinema, and music, which contributed to the creation of a new Soviet Kazakh culture.
Nevertheless, cultural and social transformations occurred under strict state control and were often limited by the framework of socialist ideology.
Impact of World War II
World War II (1939-1945) had a significant impact on Kazakhstan. During the war, the republic became an important strategic and industrial center:
Evacuation of Enterprises — many industrial enterprises were evacuated to Kazakhstan from the western regions of the USSR, which contributed to economic development.
Mobilization of the Population — thousands of Kazakhs were drafted into the army, and many fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War.
Rear Work — Kazakhstani people actively worked in the rear, providing the army with necessary resources and products.
The post-war period was a time of recovery and further development of Kazakhstan's economy.
Political Repressions and Culture
The Soviet period was also marked by political repressions that affected many people:
Stalinist Repressions — in the 1930s and in the years following the war, mass arrests, repressions, and deportations occurred, affecting both Kazakhs and other ethnic groups.
National Consciousness — despite the repressions, a national consciousness began to form in Kazakhstan, manifested in literature, art, and public life.
Culture — the development of Kazakh theater, literature, and music, despite limited creative freedom, contributed to the preservation and development of Kazakh culture.
Independence of Kazakhstan
The Soviet period ended with the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Kazakhstan declared its independence on December 16, 1991, which was the result of long processes of political and social changes that took place in the country. Key achievements of independent Kazakhstan include:
Formation of a Sovereign State — Kazakhstan became an independent state with its own policies and economy.
Development of National Identity — after the collapse of the USSR, the restoration and development of Kazakh culture and language began.
Economic Reforms — transition to a market economy and the development of new economic relations with other countries.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan in the Soviet period became an important chapter in the history of the country, encompassing numerous changes and transformations. Despite the hardships, the Kazakh people preserved their culture and identity, which laid the foundation for the establishment of an independent state in 1991.
Historical Encyclopedia