Statistical Data as a Source of Information on the Great Patriotic War

Abstract

The article examines publication of statistical data commemorating the anniversaries of the USSR Victory in the Great Patriotic War as the most important information sources for an objective analysis of historical events. The reason for writing this article was the release of the statistical handbook of Rosstat, dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory. In the introduction, the author argues the current urgency of issues addressed in the article caused by information warfare aimed at distorting the historical truth about the role of our country in the anti-Hitler coalition and the defeat of fascism in the World War II. The body of the article describes the concept and content of the anniversary edition. An important point of the article is the analysis of data sources used in the preparation of the handbook.
The author reviews the anniversary handbook structure that includes a preface and the following sections: Population, Economic, Living conditions, Mobilization of population, Partisan movement, Evacuation during the war, Casualties and losses during the war, Military memorials and cemeteries, State awards, References. It is noted that the handbook maintains the tradition of previous statistical publications dedicated to the anniversaries of the Great Victory. Lastly, the author substantiates the novelty of data presented in the anniversary handbook and the logical structure of statistical materials in it.
The author draws conclusions about the paramount importance of, and need to continue popularization of data on the great exploits of the Soviet people during the war and to introduce new statistical information into scientific circulation, which is causing further comprehension of primary information sources about the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.