Social Aspects of Electrification in the Ural on the Eve of the Great Patriotic War

The purpose of this article is to consider some social aspects of the electrification process in the Urals in the pre-war period (1938–1941). The choice of topic is explained not only by its relevance, but also by insufficient knowledge. Foreign historiography of related issues includes works by such authors as G. Goodey, R. Klein, D. Nye, who focus on the sociocultural significance of the introduction of new technologies. To solve the stated problem, a source base was formed, consisting of archival documents and materials from local periodicals. The theoretical basis of the study is the hypothesis of pre-war Soviet society as a modernizing mobilization-type society. The processes of electrical construction, radio installation, and film installation in the urban and rural areas of the Greater Urals during the years of the Third Five-Year Plan are shown. The level of energy supply to social facilities is characterized, and shortcomings in the energy supply to the population are noted. It is concluded that the totality of social consequences of electrification can be qualified as an increase in social resources aimed at protecting and further developing Soviet civilization.