Famine in Southwestern USSR Causes Significant Death Toll

The famine in the southwestern part of the USSR was primarily caused by a combination of severe drought conditions and stringent delivery quotas imposed by the Soviet government. These quotas required farmers to surrender a significant portion of their harvests, which left them with insufficient food for their own sustenance. The situation was exacerbated by the government's requisition policies, which prioritized state needs over local food security. As a result, the agricultural output plummeted, leading to widespread starvation among the peasant population. The impact of this famine was devastating, with estimates indicating that at least 115,000 individuals lost their lives due to hunger and malnutrition. This tragic event highlighted the severe consequences of state policies on local communities and contributed to growing discontent and resistance against Soviet rule in the region.