REACTION OF THE FAR EAST TO THE TRANSITION TO OPEN FORMS OF TRADE IN THE MID-1930s

Referring to archival documents, this article considers the sentiments of the Far Eastern population of the USSR and its reaction to the transition from the rationing system to free trade which started on 1 January 1935. The study of the socio-psychological aspects of important events and phenomena of the mid-1930s, including public sentiments, is relevant as they contribute to the recreation of the psychological portrait of the generation. The authors of the article emphasise the fact that the reaction of the population of the region to the transformation of the distribution system was ambiguous and depended on various political, ideological, and socioeconomic aspects of life. A significant part of the population supported the actions of the authorities and was positive. Far Easterners were motivated by the expectations of improving the overall socioeconomic situation in the country and hopes for the early construction of a just society. At the same time, there was also a critical mood, which was caused both by numerous miscalculations in the organisation of trade and by groundless rumours and gossip. Negative sentiments were both latent, manifested themselves in conversations with colleagues and the family circle, and open showing in public speeches. A part of the population doubted the necessity of abolishing the rationing system for fear of famine. The central and local authorities attempted to eradicate any critical mood and backlash by various means, e.g. by normalising the supply system, but the situation with the supply of the population of the Far Eastern region continued to be difficult throughout the 1930s.