Fight against Alcoholism as an Element of Social Policy in Soviet Russia in 1920s (on Example of North Ossetia)

Abstract

Features of the organization of fight against alcoholism in Russia, in particular - in North Ossetia in the first years after October revolution and in the period of new economic policy are considered. The ways of solving this acute social problem, especially the spread of drunkenness and moonshine in North Ossetia are evaluated. The main reasons that influenced the spread of alcoholism and the increase in the volume of moonshine are considered. On the basis of archival and published materials the problems faced by society and the government in the fight against this phenomenon are presented. The authors dwell on the methods and effectiveness of measures taken by the state during the period under review. It is emphasized that the feature of anti-alcohol policy in the country in the first half of the 1920s was the lack of state sale of vodka in the country. During the period under review, the party bodies actively promoted a sober lifestyle along with the implementation of prohibitive measures. However, they were not successful, and led to an increase in the illegal production of moonshine and other alcoholic beverages. On the basis of archival materials, various aspects and methods of combating moonshine at the regional level are considered in detail. Examples of combating this type of crime, reporting data in chronological order, as well as some of the causes of alcoholism and the difficulties of the struggle with moonshine are presented.