The literacy campaign initiated by the RSFSR was a transformative effort that not only improved individual lives but also strengthened the socio-political fabric of the Soviet Union.
The success of the literacy programs demonstrated the importance of state intervention in education, particularly in times of social upheaval and economic transition.
The integration of literacy education into the broader goals of industrialization highlights the interconnectedness of education and economic development.
The Decree on Illiteracy Elimination in the RSFSR
On December 26, 1919, the Council of People's Commissars of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) enacted a significant decree aimed at eliminating illiteracy among its population. At the time, literacy rates were alarmingly low, with only 21.1% of the population able to read and write, as reported in the 1897 census. This initiative was crucial in transforming the educational landscape of the Soviet Union, ultimately achieving a literacy rate of nearly 90% within two decades.
Historical Context and Implementation
The early 20th century in Russia was marked by a dire lack of educational resources, particularly for the majority of the population. The existing educational institutions, primarily church-run parochial schools, were insufficient in providing comprehensive education. The Bolshevik government recognized the urgent need for widespread literacy, particularly in the wake of the Civil War, which had left millions of children homeless and uneducated. Under the leadership of figures like Nadezhda Krupskaya and Anatoly Lunacharsky, the government established programs to facilitate literacy education, mandating that all citizens aged 8 to 50 who could not read or write were obliged to learn.
Achievements and Legacy of the Literacy Campaign
The campaign against illiteracy was not just a matter of education; it was seen as a means to engage the population in the political life of the country. By 1927, around 10 million adults had completed literacy programs, and by the late 1930s, the literacy rate among the Soviet population reached almost 90%. This achievement was pivotal for the USSR, particularly during the industrialization phase, as a literate workforce was essential for operating complex machinery and contributing to the country's economic development. The literacy programs also played a significant role in fostering a sense of patriotism and cultural awareness among the citizens, laying the groundwork for a more educated and engaged society.
