The Attitude of the Far East to the Card Distribution (1929-1934)
Based on archival documents, the problems of organization and functioning of the normalized distribution system in the Far East of the USSR between 1929 and 1934 are studied, and the peculiarities of perception of this system by the population of the region are analyzed. By the end of the 1920s, there was a crisis in the food supply and consumer goods due to the industrialization and collectivization. Food problems forced the Soviet leadership to turn to the practice of normalized distribution of basic consumer goods. The supply problem was particularly acute in the Far East, which largely depended on the supply of food and industrial goods from the center. Frequent interruptions in supplies forced local authorities to seek a way out in violation of the current rules and regulations of distribution. The functioning of the card distribution system caused an ambiguous response from various social groups of the Far Eastern population. It was manifested in positive and negative statements and speeches, refusal to work, violation of labor discipline, increased turnover of workers and employees, etc. The greatest indignation was caused by the lack of order in issuing passbooks and selling products, rising prices, long queues, abuse of official position of responsible trade workers, the presence of a system of closed distributors, theft of goods by employees of commodity bases and stores, etc. Despite the measures taken by the authorities to normalize supply and prevent negative reactions, the situation continued to be difficult until the abolition of card distribution in 1935.