War, Crime, and Law Enforcement in Yekaterinoslav During the First World War (1914–1917)

The article explores the dynamics of crime and law enforcement in Yekaterinoslav, a major industrial hub in southern Ukraine, during the First World War (1914War ( -1917)).As Yekaterinoslav became a logistical center for military operations, its urban environment experienced significant strain due to rapid industrial mobilization, an influx of refugees, and widespread poverty.These conditions fostered a sharp increase in criminal activity, including theft, organized robbery, fraud, and black-market trade.The study highlights how wartime exigencies overwhelmed local law enforcement agencies, which were already understaffed and under-resourced.The imposition of martial law and strict censorship aimed to curb dissent and preserve public order but failed to address underlying socio-economic grievances that fueled criminal behavior.Particular attention is given to the emergence of organized crime, with armed gangs targeting both civilians and state institutions.Police reports reveal a pattern of escalating violence, including attacks on law enforcement officers, which culminated in dramatic confrontations such as the 1916 shootout on Petrohradska Street.The paper also examines the rise of industrial theft, especially of scarce materials like leather and metal components, as well as the illegal production of alcohol substitutes and forged documents used to evade military service.The study underscores how the war acted as a catalyst for systemic breakdown, eroding legal culture and accelerating the marginalization of large segments of the population.It provides a detailed account of how economic hardship, militarization, and institutional failure converged to reshape urban life and security in one of Ukraine's most vital industrial centers during the early 20th century.