On the History of the Conversion of Some Enterprises Evacuated to Georgia to the Production of Military Products During the Great Patriotic War (1939-1945)

Abstract

Under the harsh conditions of World War II, the task of converting evacuated enterprises and population to Georgia to military production was a complex undertaking for both the political leadership and the Soviet economy. However, Georgia coped with this task and became a powerful military production arsenal.

This study considers  contribution of Georgia to supplying the Soviet Armed Forces with military equipment and the defeat of Nazi Germany, using the example of the converting of some enterprises evacuated to Georgia to military production. From the first days of the war between Germany and the Soviet Union, the transition of the national economy into a wartime system was subordinated to the country's primary interests—victory over the enemy. The primary objective of the State Defense Committee  was the massive evacuation of industrial enterprises from the occupied territories. For evacuated industrial enterprises, it was necessary to select areas in the rear where the appropriate material- technical resources and raw materials were available. Georgia turned into such a region during the war.

The transition of the national economy (along with  evacuated enterprises) to a wartime footing primarily covered the development of those industries that would meet the front's needs for weapons, ammunition, and all other necessary goods. Georgia coped with the tasks set by the government in a worthy manner.