Uzbekistan’s Contribution to the USSR Defense Fund in 1941–1945: Frontline Letters

The analysis covered frontline letters written during the Great Patriotic War and preserved in Uzbekistan’s archives. The correspondence reflects the emotional and psychological state of soldiers while serving as vital evidence of the selfless support provided by the population of Uzbekistan to the war effort. The article focuses on the Uzbek contribution to the USSR Defense Fund. Established in August 1941, the fund was replenished through voluntary donations, including cash, bonds, material valuables, and personal savings. Labor collectives and trade unions donated wages and organized voluntary labor days, with railway workers being especially active participants in this movement. The analysis of frontline correspondence revealed a high level of patriotism, civic initiative, and social cohesion. Despite economic hardship aggravated by food and fuel shortages, the population demonstrated resilience, dedication, and humanity. In addition to capturing everyday life and emotional experiences, the letters also documented various forms of interaction between the military front and the home front, making them a valuable wartime information source. The article enriches national historiography by shedding light on the lesser-studied aspects of Uzbekistani participation in the war and highlights the importance of frontline letters as a source for reconstructing the social history of Uzbekistan during World War II.

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