Ration cards were first introduced in the Soviet Union in 1918, during the Civil War. They were used to control the distribution of scarce food supplies, and were issued to all citizens regardless of their income or social status.
During what periods were ration cards issued in the Soviet Union?
Ration cards were issued during several periods of food shortages in the Soviet Union, including:
- 1918-1921: During the Civil War, the Bolshevik government requisitioned food from peasants to feed the urban population, leading to widespread food shortages.
- 1932-1933: The Soviet Union experienced a devastating famine known as the Holodomor, caused by a combination of factors including collectivization, drought, and mismanagement of the food supply.
- 1940-1945: During World War II, the Soviet Union faced severe food shortages due to the German invasion and the disruption of agricultural production.
- 1989-1991: The final years of the Soviet Union were marked by economic collapse and widespread food shortages, leading to the reintroduction of ration cards in some regions.
The use of ration cards in the Soviet Union was a reflection of the government's efforts to manage the distribution of food supplies in times of scarcity, and to ensure that all citizens had access to basic foodstuffs. However, the system was often inefficient and prone to corruption, and was ultimately abandoned after the collapse of the Soviet Union.