| Publication |
2007.
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| Summary/Abstract |
Between 1932 and 1939, the USSR adopted a new approach to the exploration and development of its Arctic territories by creating the Main Administration of the Northern Sea Route (GUSMP). The Soviets' principal strategy here was one of hypercentralization: beforehand, they had entrusted Arctic work to a variety of agencies, but after the First Five-Year Plan, they became convinced that the uniquely rigorous conditions of the extreme north made it desirable to vest a single all-purpose agency with nearly complete authority over the Soviet Arctic. GUSMP enjoyed many successes, including several high-profile polar exploits that won international renown, but, in the end, was unable to satisfy the dictates of the state, especially with respect to economic development. In 1938-1939, most of GUSMP's authority had been stripped away; the primary beneficiary of its downfall was the notorious Main Administration for Construction in the Far North (Dal'stroi). GUSMP's failure was due not only to flaws in its own design and operation, but also to the unreasonable demands of the regime. Regardless, it managed before and after 1939 to develop the northern coastal infrastructure to an extent sufficient to support the USSR's military needs by the time war came in 1941.
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