North Caucasian Regional Branch of All-Union Society of Former Political Exiles and Special Settlers (1924–1935)

This article investigates the activities of the North Caucasian regional branch of the All-Union Society of Former Political Exiles and Special Settlers during the period from 1924 to 1935. The relevance of this study lies in its contribution to understanding Soviet public organizations and their branches across different regions of the USSR. Unpublished archival documents, personal materials, and periodicals from the State Archive of Rostov Oblast form the basis for this research. The main areas of activity of the North Caucasian regional branch are identified. The history of the organization is traced from its establishment until it ceased operations (March 1921 – August 1935). It is concluded that the branch was already experiencing a crisis before the assassination of Soviet state and party leader Sergei M. Kirov, which led to widespread purges among representatives of various public organizations, including former political exiles and special settlers. Emphasis is placed on the fact that in June 1935, following an announcement by the leadership about self-dissolution, Soviet authorities liquidated both the All-Union Society and all its regional divisions.