Impact of State Loans (1946-1957) on Personal Budgets of Soviet Citizens: Insights from Financial Records and Ego-documents

This article evaluates the significance of income and expenditures associated with state internal loans from 1946 to 1957 in the personal budgets of Soviet citizens. Utilizing archival documents as primary sources, the study reveals that government authorities meticulously analyzed the structure of citizen subscriptions, the influx of funds into budgets, and the amounts allocated for loan repayments. It is noted that these loans were not perceived as detrimental to the overall welfare of the population. The findings indicate that while state structures conducted less detailed examinations of citizens' income from loans, references to these incomes increased in public discourse. The analysis demonstrates a transformation in the narrative surrounding loans during this period, shifting from a focus on “public good” to “personal well-being,” alongside heightened attention to gains and the management of these funds. Despite the positive portrayal of loan campaigns, citizens often sought opportunities to sell bonds in times of dire need. The author concludes that the economic behavior of citizens was situational or reactive, as their engagement with these narratives frequently coincided with active campaign periods.