The Third Unfinished Five-Year Plan – on the Brink of War (1938–1941)

The sixth volume of Mikhail Vostryshev's series is dedicated to the pre-war period in the history of the Soviet Union — a time when the country was experiencing the consequences of large-scale party purges and repressions. Despite losses and fear, Soviet people began to notice the first signs of improvement in their lives: hunger had receded, clothes appeared in stores, and some city dwellers were able to improve their living conditions. However, the shadow of the approaching Second World War and the tightening of discipline in production were alarming. Nevertheless, in the hearts of people there lived a belief in imminent happiness and a better future, for which they were ready to endure and work. The book reveals in detail the atmosphere of a difficult but significant time, full of hopes and expectations.