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What is the name of the city of Stalingrad now? History of Stalingrad

May 15, 2015

Remember the history of the Second World War - 1942, for example. The battle for the city of Stalingrad (as it is now called, probably not everyone knows outside of Russia), in which the Red Army was successful, turned back the course of the war. It deservedly bears the title of hero city.

The city of Stalingrad: what it is called now and what it was called before

During the Paleolithic period, on the outskirts of the city there was a site of primitive people called Sukhaya Mechetka. In the 16th century, historical sources associated this area with the presence of representatives of the Tatar people. Since the memoirs of the English traveler Jenkinson mention the “abandoned Tatar city of Meskheti.” In official royal documents this city was first mentioned on July 2, 1589 under the name Tsaritsyn. That's what it was called until 1925.

As you know, in the 1920-1930s, cities were called mainly by the names and surnames (pseudonyms) of Soviet leaders and party leaders. Former Tsaritsyn in 1925 was the 19th city in the USSR in terms of population, so its fate of renaming could not be avoided. In 1925 the city was renamed Stalingrad. It is by this name that it is best known, because the Battle of Stalingrad went down in world history as the most important event of the Second World War.

In 1956, the debunking of the cult of Stalin began. The party had a lot of work in this direction, so the party leaders only got around to renaming the city in 1961. Since 1961 and to the present time, the settlement has had a name that very accurately characterizes its location - Volgograd (a city on the Volga).

Brief history of the city from 1589 to 1945

Initially, the city was concentrated on a small island. Why was it founded here? Because before that time people already lived here, and the place was convenient for trade. Its location on the Volga gave the settlement good chances for dynamic development. Real transformations in the city began to occur in the 19th century. The first school for noble children, the first pro-gymnasium, was opened, in which 49 children studied. In 1808, a doctor came to the city and did a lot for the development of medicine in it (she was the first local doctor).

With the development of transport infrastructure (Volga-Don and other railways) since the late 1850s, industry and trade in the city are developing very strongly, and the welfare of residents is increasing.

During the first three decades of the 20th century, the territory of Stalingrad expanded. New industrial facilities, residential buildings, and places of public recreation are being built. In 1942, the Germans came to the city of Stalingrad. What is this time called now? An occupation. 1942 and 1943 were the worst years in the city's history.

Our time: the city is thriving

Stalingrad - what kind of city is it now? Volgograd. This name fully reflects its essence, because the river is one of the main trade routes. In the 1990-2000s, Volgograd several times acquired the status of a million-plus city. Industry, services and recreation, and sports are actively developing in the city. The football team of the Volgograd "Rotor" has played more than one season in the Russian top league.

But still, the settlement played its most important role in history under the name “city of Stalingrad” (as it is now called, we should also not forget, because the old name is unlikely to return).

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The Battle of Stalingrad became a turning point in the Great Patriotic War. After it, the advantage passed to the side of the Soviet army. Therefore, Stalingrad became one of the main symbols of the Great Victory of the Soviet people over Nazi Germany. But why was this hero city soon renamed? And what is Stalingrad called now?

Tsaritsyn, Stalingrad, Volgograd

In 1961, by Decree of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR, the city was renamed, and now Stalingrad is called Volgograd. Until 1925, this city was called Tsaritsyn. When Joseph Stalin actually came to power in the USSR, the personality cult of the new leader began, and some cities began to bear his name. So Tsaritsyn became Stalingrad. But after Stalin’s death in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev became the new leader of the country and in 1956, at the 20th Congress of the Communist Party, he debunked Stalin’s cult of personality, pointing out all its negative consequences. Five years later, the massive dismantling of monuments to Stalin began, and the cities that bore his name began to return their former names. But the origin of the name Tsaritsyn did not fit into Soviet ideology somewhat; they began to choose a different name for the city and settled on Volgograd, since it stands on the great Russian Volga River.

Volgograd - on weekdays, Stalingrad - on holidays

True, in 2013, deputies of the Volgograd City Duma partially returned the old name to the city and decided to use the combination hero city of Stalingrad as a symbol of Volgograd on holidays, such as May 9, February 23, June 22 and other significant dates associated with the history of the city. This was done as a tribute to the veterans of the Great Patriotic War.

The city of Stalingrad (until 1925 - Tsaritsyn, from 1961 - Volgograd), a regional center in the Russian Federation. Located along the right bank of the Volga River, at the confluence of the Tsarina River. The population in 1939 was 445 thousand people (in 1983 - 962 thousand people). A large industrial, transport and cultural center of the Lower Volga region. By 1941, over 200 industrial enterprises operated in the city, including the largest - the Stalingrad Tractor Plant, the Red October metallurgical plant, and the Barrikady machine-building plant. Since the beginning of the war, industry switched to the production of military products. In October 1941, construction of defensive lines began. On October 23, the City Defense Committee was formed, headed by the 1st Secretary of the Regional and City Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) A. S. Chuyanov; A militia corps was formed from the working people of the city and region.

In the summer of 1942, with the beginning of the offensive of fascist German troops on the left flank of the Soviet-German front (Donbass operation of 1942), Stalingrad became a front-line city (martial law was introduced on July 14). The city suffered its first massive raid by fascist German aviation on the night of April 23, then the raids became systematic. On July 12, the Stalingrad Front was created, and the Stalingrad Air Defense Corps Region became part of it. On July 17, the Battle of Stalingrad 1942-43 began. In August, fighting broke out on the outer defensive perimeter. On August 23, Nazi troops broke through to the Volga north of Stalingrad. Workers, city police, units of the NKVD troops, sailors of the Volga military flotilla, and cadets of military schools stood up to defend the city. On the same day, Nazi aviation subjected the city to a barbaric bombardment, carrying out about two thousand sorties (90 planes were shot down - check!); over 40 thousand inhabitants, over 150 thousand people died. wounded, massive fires began, burning oil flowed from the destroyed oil storage facilities in the northern part of the city into the Volga (flame height 200 m), setting fire to steamships, barges, and piers. In difficult conditions, the population and enterprises were evacuated; several special crossings across the Volga were built (up to 300 thousand people were evacuated in August - September). Vessels from the military flotilla, Nizhnevolzhsky Shipping Company and Volgotanker took part in supplying troops and fighting. On August 25, a state of siege was introduced in Stalingrad. On September 12, Nazi troops approached the city from the west and southwest, and fierce street fighting began. On October 15, the enemy reached the Volga in the area of ​​the tractor plant, and on November 11, south of the Barrikady plant. Soviet troops (62nd and 64th armies) heroically held positions in the city along the banks of the Volga and part of the dominant heights of Mamayev Kurgan. Throughout the Battle of Stalingrad in the southern part of the city, held by Soviet troops, tank repairs at the shipyard did not stop, and the Stalingrad State District Power Plant provided electricity. On November 19, 1942, the Soviet counteroffensive began near Stalingrad. In January 1943, the Nazi troops stationed in the city were defeated. On January 31, the commander of the 6th German Army, Field Marshal F. Paulus, who was with his headquarters in the basement of the Central Department Store (there is a memorial plaque on the building), surrendered. On February 2, the last Nazi units capitulated.

During the 143-day battles, Nazi aviation dropped about 1 million bombs weighing 100 thousand tons on Stalingrad (5 times more than on London during the entire war). In total, Nazi troops rained down more than 3 million bombs, mines and artillery shells on the city. About 42 thousand buildings (85% of the housing stock), all cultural and everyday institutions, industrial buildings were destroyed. enterprises, municipal facilities.

In April and May 1943, the State Defense Committee made decisions to restore the tractor plant, the Barrikady and Red October plants. By decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR (May 1943), the restoration of the city began, in which the whole country participated and during which the Cherkasovsky movement was born. By May, the city's population reached 107 thousand people (32 thousand people in February), by September 1 - over 210 thousand. In 1943, 80 thousand workers and specialists arrived at the factories and construction sites of Stalingrad. Over 1.5 million bombs, mines, and shells were neutralized in the city. By May 1945, about 90% of production capacity had been restored. In April 1945, a General Plan for the Restoration of the City was developed (architect K. S. Alabyan). In August 1945, the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR adopted a resolution "On strengthening housing construction and restoring the center of Stalingrad", and a special central administration was created under the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR - Glavstalingradstroy. In 1940-50 the city has been completely restored. In 1949, the city's industry reached pre-war levels.

The most famous historical monuments associated with the events of 1942-43: Mass graves with the Eternal Flame on the Square of Fallen Fighters and Mamayev Kurgan, where a memorial ensemble was built; Mass grave of soldiers of the 62nd Army; House of Soldiers' Glory ("Pavlov's House"); The front line of defense of the Soviet troops on November 19, 1942 was marked throughout the city by 17 tank towers on pedestals. In 1982, the Panorama Museum "Battle of Stalingrad" was opened. In December 1942, the medal “For the Defense of Stalingrad” was established, which was awarded to 750 thousand people. For the heroic struggle during the Civil War, the city was awarded the Honorary Revolutionary Red Banner of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee (1919) and the Order of the Red Banner (1924). Since May 1, 1945, Stalingrad has been a hero city. In 1965 he was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal.

When did the city change its name and did the local council members really decide to rename it again? For years, debates have raged about whether cities should return their old names, which they received in Soviet times or before the revolution. Many cities in Russia have several names; a special place among them is occupied by the hero city, regional center and million-plus city Volgograd.

How many times was Volgograd renamed?

Volgograd was renamed twice. This city was founded in 1589 and was first called Tsaritsyn because it was originally located on an island on the Tsarina River. Local peoples in Turkic called this river “Sary-su” - “yellow water”; the name of the city goes back to the Turkic “Sary-sin”, which means “yellow island”.

At first it was a small border military town, which often repelled raids by nomads and rebel troops. However, Tsaritsyn subsequently became an industrial center.

In 1925, Tsaritsyn was first renamed Stalingrad in honor of Stalin. During the Civil War, Stalin was chairman of the Military Council of the North Caucasus Military District. He led the defense of Tsaritsyn from the Don Army of Ataman Krasnov.

In 1961, the city was renamed for the second time. From Stalingrad it turned into Volgograd. This happened just during the debunking of the “cult of personality of Stalin”

Who and when wanted to return the old names to the city?

Disputes about renaming Volgograd back to Stalingrad or Tsaritsyn have been going on for a long time. This issue has been discussed several times in the media. Communists usually advocate returning the name Stalingrad to the city. In addition to the communists, for some reason residents of St. Petersburg collected signatures in support of this initiative, which surprised the Volgograd residents themselves. Another part of the residents periodically asks to return the pre-revolutionary name of Tsaritsyn to Volgograd.

However, many citizens do not support the initiative to rename the city. For 50 years they have become quite accustomed to the name Volgograd and would not like to change anything.

Have the authorities really decided that Volgograd will be called Stalingrad?

Yes, but, paradoxically, the city will be called Stalingrad for only a few days a year.

February 2 - the day of the defeat of the Nazi troops in the Battle of Stalingrad, May 9 - Victory Day, June 22 - the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, September 2 - the Day of the end of World War II, August 23 - the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the massive bombing of Stalingrad fascist German aviation and November 19 - the day the defeat of fascist troops at Stalingrad began.

The name “hero city of Stalingrad” will be used at citywide public events. The rest of the year the city will remain Volgograd.

Deputies of the Volgograd City Duma made this decision on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad.
According to deputies, the document on the use of the name “hero city of Stalingrad” on memorable days was adopted on the basis of numerous requests from veterans.

Last photo: Volgograd. Panorama of the Battle of Stalingrad. Fragment.

Stalingrad is a hero city located on the great Russian Volga River. For some, he is a symbol of the perseverance and dedication of the Russian people.

Some associate this name with the name of I.V. Stalin, a rather controversial figure in the history of the country. In this article we will tell you in detail what Stalingrad is now called and how to find it on the map.

Founding history

His story begins in 1589. The city occupied the island of Tsaritsyn, located at the confluence of the river of the same name into the Volga. Exactly Tsaritsa River this settlement owes its first name - Tsaritsyn. It has always had strategic importance in military conflicts and various unrest. At the time of its foundation, the fortress garrison fought off nomadic raids on river caravans in the area of ​​the Volgodonsk Isthmus.

During the turbulent XVII-XVIII centuries. the city was sacked and burned several times. The Time of Troubles became for him the period of his first serious trials. The city, which supported the false rulers, was burned by government troops. It was rebuilt in 1615, not on the island, but on the banks of the Volga.

During numerous uprisings and peasant wars of this period, Tsaritsyn was at the epicenter of events. The last significant clash of this time was the defense of the city from the troops of Emelyan Pugachev. Tsaritsyn became the only settlement in the lower Volga that did not submit to Pugachev. For his brave actions, the commandant of the fortress was awarded the rank of general.

From the second half of the 18th century, due to significantly expanded borders, the city became a quiet and peaceful settlement.

The 19th century becomes a time of active expansion and development for Tsaritsyn. A school, a pharmacy and a coffee shop are opening. Industrial enterprises appear. In the second half of the century the city became a major railway junction. The convenience of the location and developed infrastructure make it possible to open large industrial enterprises in it: a metallurgical and weapons factory, kerosene production.

The period of quiet life and development was stopped by the tragic events of the early 20th century. During the Civil War Tsaritsyn became a Bolshevik stronghold in the Volga region. He withstood 3 assaults by the White Guards. In these events, J.V. Stalin, commander of the North Caucasus Military District at that time, played an important role.

As a result of the fourth attempt, the settlement came under the control of the white army for a short time. At the beginning of 1920, Tsaritsyn finally became subordinate to the Red Army. These events caused a lot of grief to the residents of the city and significantly weakened its economy.

Following these tragic events, famine came to the settlement, which claimed the lives of several million people. Foreign charitable organizations provided assistance to the townspeople, and a good harvest and the end of the Civil War in 1923 marked the beginning of a new rise for the brave city on the Volga.

In the Soviet state there could not be a city with a name reminiscent of the country's tsarist past. It was decided to rename it. in honor of a man who distinguished himself during the defense of the city from White Guard detachments. It is under this name that the settlement on the Volga will become a world famous place.

The years 20–30 became a period of active development of industry and the social sphere for Stalingrad. Existing enterprises were restored and new ones were built: tractor and hardware plants, a shipyard. Urban public transport was actively developing, housing construction was underway, education and medicine were developing. Stalingrad grew and improved.

Trial by war

Peacetime for both the city and the entire country ended in 1941. The enterprises of Stalingrad completely switched to the production of military products. Women and children stood at the machines. And in July 1942, the war came directly to the Volga. On July 17, the bloody and heroic Battle of Stalingrad began, which claimed the lives of more than a million people - soldiers, women, children, old people.

During the air raids, most of the city areas were destroyed. But the Stalingrad residents, living in dugouts and fleeing from airstrikes in the basements, continued to build fortifications and go to work at the machines. For 200 long days, Soviet troops and residents of Stalingrad held back the Nazi army. The perseverance, courage, heroism and dedication of the Soviet people made it possible not only to defend the city, but also to encircle (November 1942), and then defeat (February 1943) the army of General Paulus.

The significance of this victory cannot be overestimated. At the cost of enormous human sacrifice, the Soviet Union turned the tide of events in World War II. The Nazi plans were destroyed. Their allies changed their minds, and many of them began to look for ways out of hostilities.

And Stalingrad lay in ruins. About 35 thousand inhabitants remained alive, although almost half a million people lived here before the war. A huge number of dead bodies of people and animals on the streets threatened a new disaster - an epidemic. But the heroic city began to recover.

In the relatively surviving area - the village of Beketovka - city services were located, medical institutions were deployed, public transport began to operate, and the most surviving buildings were repaired. But the war was not over yet, and the main resources were used to restore the defense industry.

Most of the Stalingrad factories resumed work in 1943, and in 1944, already assembled tanks and tractors rolled off the assembly line.

The 50s became a period of another active construction in Stalingrad. The housing stock was actively restored and public buildings were built. New streets and squares appeared. And in 1952, the Volgodonsk Canal named after I.V. Stalin was opened. A lot of objects in the city were dedicated to the “Leader of the Peoples”. But this was the case until 1953.

The city after the debunking of the cult of personality

After Stalin’s death, N.S. Khrushchev, who replaced him, began “debunking the cult of personality.” Monuments to Stalin were demolished, the names of objects named in his honor were changed. This phenomenon could not ignore the glorious Volga city. In 1961, Stalingrad was renamed Volgograd.

Volgograd was still actively developing and growing. In 1967, the Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex was built, supplemented in 1985 with the “Battle of Stalingrad” panorama. In the 60-80s, new industrial enterprises, educational and cultural institutions opened. A transport network was actively built: the Astrakhan Bridge, Volgograd metro stations, highways connecting the city with neighboring settlements.

The post-Soviet life of Volgograd, like the whole country, began with a decline in all areas of industry and economy. Enterprises closed, residential and public construction stopped, and numerous scammers and dubious enterprises appeared.

With the beginning of the 2000s, life in Volgograd began to improve again. Frozen facilities were being completed, the transport network and public institutions were being developed. But even in this time of peace, Volgograd residents are tested for their fortitude and fortitude. The city has repeatedly become the target of terrorist attacks.

Modern disputes about the name of Volgograd

Now there is a debate about the need to return the city's historical name - Stalingrad. This idea has both supporters and opponents. This idea appeared not in Volgograd society, but in the circles of metropolitan politicians. About 30% of Volgograd residents support the initiative to return the name Stalingrad to the city. They justify their position with the following arguments:

• the renaming is a tribute to the heroism of the people in the Battle of Stalingrad;
• this will help raise the level of patriotism among young people in the first place;
• it is by this name that the settlement is known all over the world;
• Stalingrad and Stalin are not the same thing;
• Volgograd needs to return its historical name.

Opponents of the renaming idea point to the fact that the historical name of the city on the Volga is Tsaritsyn - the name given to it at its founding. It is also noted that the majority of the country’s residents still associate the name Stalingrad with the name of I.V. Stalin, whose role in the history of the country is ambiguous. Renaming will require huge funds, which local authorities do not have at their disposal.

There is a third point of view. Many residents don’t care what name they live in. Volgograd residents want solutions to their pressing economic problems.

Local authorities eventually agreed and officially assigned the name Stalingrad to the city during the days reminiscent of difficult trials and heroic events:

• February 2 - Military Glory Day;
• February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day;
• May 8 - Day of awarding the city the title of “hero city”;
• May 9 - Victory Day;
• June 22 - Day of Remembrance and Sorrow;
• August 23 - Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Bombing of Stalingrad;
• September 2 - Day of the end of the war;
• November 19 - Day of the beginning of the defeat of Nazi troops at Stalingrad;
• December 9 is Heroes Day.

It doesn’t matter what the brave city on the Volga was called: Tsaritsyn in the era of the monarchy, Stalingrad in the era of the emergence of Soviet power and the bloody World War, or Volgograd in modern times. The only important thing is that this city has always guarded the peace of the country and bravely resisted all troubles and challenges.

Video

From this video you will learn little-known historical facts about this famous city.

You can get acquainted with the history of Volgograd by watching this video.

This video will tell you about one of the most terrible and most famous periods in the life of Stalingrad.

You will learn about the world-famous Battle of Stalingrad from this video.

The second part of the video about the battles of Stalingrad.

This video talks about how Stalingrad was revived after the Great Patriotic War.

Volgograd or Stalingrad? The controversy continues to this day.