The Functioning of the Tram Infrastructure in the Cities of the Chelyabinsk Region in 1941–1945

Abstract

Introduction. During the Great Patriotic War, the main function most characteristic of the tram infrastructure of the Union was most pronounced – the connection between workers and industrial enterprises. The historical experience of overcoming the total shortage of material and human resources in the context of the reorientation of the country’s economy towards defense needs is relevant today to identify the main elements of a sustainable urban life support system. Analysis of the historiography of the tram demonstrates a paradox: on the one hand, the period 1941–1945 affected in most local studies of the tram, on the other hand, researchers paid attention to individual components of the tram infrastructure. The purpose of the study is based on the characteristics of the tram infrastructure in the cities of the Chelyabinsk region in 1941–1945 identify the factors that had the greatest impact on it and show management decisions taken in connection with the problems that arose. Materials and Methods. The study was carried out on the basis of an analysis of unpublished sources found in the funds of federal and regional archives, materials of local periodicals. The methodological framework of the study is the anthropology of infrastructure and model of mobilization development, the main method is case-study. Results. Tram infrastructure in most cities of the RSFSR in 1941–1945 did not meet the growing needs of society. In many cities that had trams, the depots were not fully staffed, tram tracks and electrical facilities needed repairs. Discussion and Conclusion. Analyzing the state of tram tracks, electrical facilities, stops, depots in Chelyabinsk, Zlatoust, Magnitogorsk, the author reveals the reasons for the plight of the tram in these cities, referring to the situation in the RSFSR, the state of infrastructure at the stage of its construction and launch in the first half of the 1930s.