Soviet famine of 1946–1947

Quick Facts: Who was Soviet famine of 1946–1947?

Subject:

Soviet famine of 1946–1947

Known for:

The devastating Soviet famine of 1946–1947, the last major famine in Soviet history.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Soviet famine of 1946–1947 was a major famine in the Soviet Union. It was also the last famine in Soviet and Russian history. The estimates of victim numbers vary, ranging from several hundred thousand to 2 million. Recent estimates from historian Cormac Ó Gráda, state that 900,000 perished during the famine. Regions that were especially affected included the Ukrainian SSR with 300,000 dead, and the Moldavian SSR with 100,000 dead.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Other parts of the Soviet Union such as the Russian SFSR and the Byelorussian SSR were also affected with 500,000 deaths. Elsewhere, malnutrition was widespread but famine was averted. The famine is notable for very high levels of child mortality. The famine has been attributed in part to the effects of World War II, and in part on government policy. The war had destroyed part of the country's agricultural infrastructure, and the post-war demobilization of the Soviet troops is thought to have caused a new baby boom.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The increase of the population at the time of an already ongoing food shortage was one of the causes of the famine. A severe drought in 1946 resulted in a poor harvest, while the Soviet government raised the food prices and made food unaffordable. The government continued exporting food during the famine, and declined to seek international assistance. Several leading causes of the famine have been identified by historians. World War II resulted in massive infrastructural damage, especially in the agriculture in the west of the country, as well as over 25 million deaths among the Soviet citizenry.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1946: 1946 Milestone — The Soviet famine of 1946–1947 was a major famine in the Soviet Union.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Soviet famine of 1946–1947

True or False: “Was the primary cause of the 1946–1947 famine solely attributed to the severe drought that year?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Historians attribute it to a combination of factors, including WWII devastation, the drought, and restrictive government policies like raising food prices.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Michnik — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Ahmad Zahir — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer, dubbed the "Elvis of Afghanistan".
• Al Capone — Historical peer (Died in 1947) (1947): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alan Guth — Historical peer (Born in 1947) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Soviet famine of 1946–1947