Zemstvos and cooperation of the Stavropol province during the First World War

Introduction. In the context of the outbreak of the First World War and the involvement of Russia in military conflicts, the authorities are looking for additional sources of solving the problems that have arisen. The government involved local governments in carrying out state activities. Why did they even expand the competence of the zemstvo? The authorities began to involve cooperation in solving socio-economic problems. The experience of interaction between zemstvo and cooperation is of interest.

Мaterials and Methods. The study was prepared on the basis of an integrated approach, which made it possible, based on a combination of information from various sources, to analyze the activities of zemstvos and cooperative associations during the First World War. The application of the principles of historicism, objectivity, and comprehensiveness made it possible to analyze the problem under study, including in the regional aspect. The sources involved in the analysis were both published sources and previously unstudied archival documents, statistical materials, periodicals on the problems and history of the activities of local governments and the history of cooperative associations.

Analysis. The article examines the activities of zemstvo selfgovernment and cooperation of the Stavropol province during the First World War. The directions of work of zemstvos and cooperative associations are described. The process of development of the cooperative movement in the period under study is examined, the possibilities of cooperation in solving the problems of introducing management methods, providing the population with consumer goods, and reducing the level of social tension are analyzed.

Results. The study made a reasonable conclusion that during the First World War, zemstvo institutions and cooperative associations of the Stavropol province carried out fruitful activities and contributed to solving the most difficult wartime problems. Cooperators and zemstvos contributed to solving the problems of providing the population with essential goods, supplying the army, and providing assistance to the families of front-line soldiers. During the war, cooperative associations in the region managed to strengthen their positions, significantly expanding the network of their organizations.

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