Holodomor Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Holodomor Definition: The Holodomor was a man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933.
• Context: Considered one of the greatest national tragedies in Ukraine’s history.

Causes of the Holodomor

• Collectivization: Stalin's policy forced consolidation of individual peasant households into collective farms.
• Grain Quotas: Unrealistic grain quotas imposed by the Soviet government.
• Repression: Repression of Ukrainian nationalism and culture.

Impact of the Holodomor

• Famine: Estimated 3.5 to 7 million Ukrainians died.
• Economic Impact: Severe economic downturn due to loss of labor and agricultural productivity.
• Cultural Impact: Suppression of Ukrainian cultural and political leaders.

International Response

• Awareness: Limited international awareness due to Soviet secrecy.
• Recognition: Many countries recognize Holodomor as a genocide against Ukrainians.

Conclusion

• Legacy: The Holodomor remains a significant part of Ukrainian identity and a symbol of resilience.
• Historical Debate: Ongoing discussions about classification as genocide and its implications in modern geopolitics.

Important Figures

• Joseph Stalin: Leader of the Soviet Union who implemented policies leading to the Holodomor.
• Ukrainian Peasantry: Primary victims of the famine.